Pharmacies to Distribute Free Masks in Istanbul. According to the latest decision in Istanbul, free mask distribution across the province will be carried out through pharmacies. The Istanbul Chamber of Pharmacists announced that, following discussions between the Ministry of Health and the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association, it was decided that pharmacies are the fastest and most reliable channel to deliver free masks to the public.
Measures and precautions against the coronavirus are being expanded and refined every day. The primary goal remains to protect people from infection as effectively as possible. Initially, free mask distribution nationwide began through PTT branches. However, heavy crowds and difficulties maintaining proper social distancing at PTT locations led to a change in that practice. Under the revised plan, pharmacies in Istanbul will be the units responsible for distributing free masks, allowing residents to pick up their masks directly from neighborhood pharmacies.
Statement from the Istanbul Chamber of Pharmacists About Masks
The Istanbul Chamber of Pharmacists issued a statement regarding mask distribution: as pharmacists, we have been on the front lines throughout the pandemic, providing uninterrupted medication services and health counseling with great dedication. As an essential link in the healthcare system and primary care providers, we have continued to fulfill a careful and responsible role in protecting public health. After consultations between the Ministry of Health and the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association, it was agreed that pharmacies provide a fast and secure venue for distributing free masks to citizens.
How Will the Free Mask Distribution Process Work in Istanbul?
The distribution process will work as follows: masks procured by the Ministry of Health will be sent to the warehouses of Istanbul Ecza Koop, Selçuk Ecza and Allianz Healthcare. From these warehouses, the masks will be forwarded to pharmacies, marking the first phase of distribution. Each pharmacy will be able to request up to 10 boxes of masks from a single depot. The Ministry will monitor mask requests, so pharmacies must place orders through only one depot for tracking purposes.
Under this arrangement, citizens aged 20–65 will be eligible to receive five masks per person for a 10-day period. Individuals will receive an SMS from the Ministry of Health containing a code; by presenting that code at a pharmacy, they can obtain their free masks. Pharmacists will enter the codes into the system via a button to be provided by the relevant authorities—either the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK) or through the İTS or Prescription System. Once the TİTCK determines which platform will be used and provides instructions, the free mask distribution through pharmacies will begin after the masks are delivered to the pharmacies.