Dollar General Appoints Chief Medical Officer As It Expands Health Offerings

Dollar General is moving to become a healthcare destination and has appointed Albert Wu, M.D. to the newly-created position of chief medical officer, the company said in a press release on Thursday (July 8). Expanded health offerings include more varieties of cough and cold remedies, dental products, nutrition supplements, and medical aids.  

The national discount chain is moving to increase healthcare products at most of its 17,000-plus stores as part of a strategic plan to ensure people have easy access to the remedies they need, especially in rural areas. The company said that 75 percent of the population lives within five miles of a Dollar General store. 

“At Dollar General, we are always looking for new ways to serve, and our customers have told us that they would like to see increased access to affordable healthcare products and services in their communities,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO.  “Our goal is to build and enhance affordable healthcare offerings for our customers, especially in the rural communities we serve.”

In the new role of chief medical officer, Wu, who will also serve as vice president, will help develop Dollar General’s new healthcare services while also working to build relationships with new providers. The chain’s goal is to create an extensive matrix of affordable healthcare products and services.

“We’re excited to welcome Albert to our team and to put a greater emphasis on wellness in the communities we serve,” said Vasos. “His impressive experience brings a unique perspective to our operations and will be critical as we look to develop our health care services offering.”

A former anesthesiology resident, Wu most recently worked for McKinsey & Company where he developed a total cost of care model for 250,000 patients in rural communities. He also designed a digital health insurance product, and consulted with “analysts modeling ventilation and pharmaceutical needs to support pandemic relief efforts.”

The new healthcare offerings come as Dollar General moves to add fresh produce to 10,000 stores. The discount chain has been building out its grocery products.