BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam’s Club has named David Badeen vice president of health care. He will be responsible for pharmacy, over-the-counter medications, and optical and hearing aid centers, as well as overseeing third-party contracting and pricing.

In his new position, Badeen will report directly to Jill Turner-Mitchael, senior vice president of health and wellness.

Badeen began his Walmart career in 1985 as a pharmacy manager before moving to Bentonville in 1993 to serve as director of automated systems. He has held leadership roles within the company’s operations, new business development, and merchandising and managed care divisions, in addition to working with the Sam’s Club pharmacy team.

Badeen assumes the role formerly held by Jason Reiser, who was vice president of merchandising, health and family care for Sam’s Club before leaving the company last summer to join Family Dollar Stores Inc.

“I am excited to join the Sam’s Club health care group as the team is committed to innovation, savings and implementing preventive health care solutions that benefit our members’ lives,” says Badeen. “Jill’s team is highly motivated and performance driven, resulting in tremendous successes and excellent positioning to drive the business forward.

“This opportunity will allow me to apply several years of cross-divisional experience to lead a great team to develop a total health care offering from Sam’s Club that will help millions of consumers.’’

Overall, Sam’s Club has some 580 pharmacies in its 630 stores. In recent years, the chain has expanded its pharmacy services, including discount prescription programs, immunizations and free health screenings.

Last year, Sam’s Club performed more than 896,000 free health screenings over 10 monthly events, focusing on such areas as men’s and women’s health, diabetes, oral care, skin care, weight management, allergies and heart health. Screenings also have been scheduled for 10 more events this year through October.

The retailer offers pharmacist-administered flu shots plus nine other vaccinations, along with $4/$10 generic prescription prices to the public. Sam’s Plus and Sam’s Business members get another 8% discount on branded prescriptions, 40% discount on generics not part of the $4/$10 program, and access to the Extra Value Drug List, which features 10% to 30% savings on dozens of branded and generic prescriptions.

Sam’s Club has also announced that George Agnacian, vice president of consumables, has received expanded responsibility encompassing health and beauty aids, tabletop/bags, pets, laundry and home care, baby care, restaurant supplies, paper and commercial cleaning.