Dollar General looks to strengthen healthcare offerings, hires chief medical officer

In an effort to establish itself as a health-and-wellness destination, Dollar General on Wednesday unveiled a plan to increase its health care offerings in its stores and hired its first-ever chief medical officer. 

As part of the retailer's new initiative, it said it planned to roll out an increased assortment of cough-cold products, as well as items in dental, nutritional, medical, health aids and feminine hygiene.

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“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,” Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO said.  “Our goal is to build and enhance affordable healthcare offerings for our customers, especially in the rural communities we serve.”

Albert Wu, the chain's newly minted vice president and chief medical officer, will play an integral role in Dollar General's new strategy. Wu has been charged with establishing and strengthening relationships with current and prospective product and service providers to ultimately build a comprehensive network of affordable services for shoppers, the company said.  

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