Second consignment of coronavirus vaccines to Turkey begins
Part of a second batch of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) inactive vaccines will arrive in Turkey today. Health Minister of Turkeu Fahrettin Koca has announced the arrival of the vaccines on Twitter. “Part of a second planned shipment (6.5 million doses) of the coronavirus vaccine will arrive in Turkey on Monday allowing the nationwide rollout to continue. It will reach us in accordance with the procurement plan and the vaccine programme will continue without interruption,” said Minister. 10 million more doses were expected in total in Turkey’s second consignment. Earlier it was reported that Turkey intends to make urgent order of vaccine against COVID-19 from China’s company. In addition, The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has agreed last week on the production of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in Turkey. “RDIF signed an agreement with a leading Turkish manufacturer of pharmaceutical items for the production of Sputnik V vaccine in Turkey and began the process of technology transfer,” the fund’s press release reads. It is noted that the potential production volume is millions of vaccine doses per year, and the issue of a possible expansion of production in the future is also being discussed. According to the fund, the Sputnik V vaccine will be supplied both to the domestic market in Turkey and to other countries.
