Walmart opens high-tech centralized prescription processing facility
Walmart Inc. is scaling its ability to quickly fill and deliver prescription medications with a new site in Maryland.
The discount giant has opened a 102,000-sq.-ft. facility in Frederick, Md. designed to fulfill up to 100,000 prescriptions a day, supporting more than 700 stores across 16 states and Washington, D.C.
This facility uses advanced pharmacy automation with dynamic weighting systems, robotic carriers and a conveyance route designed to streamline every step of prescription fulfillment, from pill counting and labeling to capping and sorting. It employs pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and patient safety associates to provide expert oversight.
With this launch, Walmart continues to expand its central fill operations to meet growing demand for pharmacy services including online shopping with fast delivery of prescriptions, as well as pharmacist-provided clinical services including immunizations and testing and treatment for strep throat, flu and COVID.
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According to Walmart, it supports pharmacy delivery with its infrastructure to seamlessly accept orders of medications and/or other products through its app and website for fulfillment via the nearest physical store with a pharmacy.
The retailer has procedures to have prescription medications verified by licensed pharmacists according to doctor’s orders. Medications are securely packaged in tamper-evident packaging, and customers can track their orders in real time through the Walmart app or website. Once delivered, customers will receive a photo confirmation via the Walmart app and their email.
Two more pharmacy central fill facilities are in development — one in Phoenix and another in Republic, Mo. — and are expected to open in 2026. The Frederick site has been in development since early 2023.
"This facility represents the next chapter in how we care for our customers," said Kevin Host, senior VP of pharmacy at Walmart. "With greater efficiency behind the scenes, our pharmacists can spend more time in front of patients — offering expert guidance, building trust and delivering better health outcomes."
Based in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart Inc. operates more than 10,750 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries.
