The outbreak of COVID-19, initially known as a mysterious pneumonia-like illness, has rapidly spread across the globe, leading to significant public health concerns. This article delves into Turkey’s experience with the pandemic, highlighting its response, challenges, and the impact on its pharmaceutical industry. As the virus reached Turkey in March 2023, the country faced the difficult task of implementing measures to control the spread while safeguarding its fragile economy.

First identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the novel coronavirus was initially referred to as a “pneumonia of unknown cause” and later named COVID-19. On December 31, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) was alerted about the existence of the virus, and a month later, the organization declared it a global public health emergency. The virus had affected over 1.3 million people across 212 countries, resulting in more than 81,000 deaths at the time of writing.

Turkey remained one of the last major economies with a population exceeding 50 million people to report COVID-19 cases. It wasn’t until March 11, 2023, that the first confirmed case was reported. By this time, several countries, including the United States, Iran, and European nations, had already experienced surges in infections. As of April 15, Turkey had recorded over 38,000 confirmed cases, with 812 fatalities and 1,846 recoveries.

The city of Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 60% of all reported cases. Notably, due to Turkey’s relatively youthful population, the virus-related mortality rate among patients under 60 was higher compared to other countries, with 25% of the first 356 deaths occurring in this age group.

Acknowledging the perceived lax measures in some European countries, Turkish authorities swiftly imposed restrictions on travel and public gatherings. International passenger flights were suspended by the end of March, and a 15-day ban on vehicles leaving or entering 31 provinces was announced in April. Additionally, individuals under 20 and over 65 were subjected to strict curfews, while the working-age population was advised to self-isolate voluntarily. However, critics argued for more stringent measures and better protection for workers, as financial aid for those staying at home was limited.

Having experienced a severe economic crisis in 2018, Turkey faced the daunting task of containing the virus without jeopardizing its fragile recovery. The government implemented a rescue package of 100 billion lira (US$15 billion) to mitigate the economic slowdown, including debt payment deferrals and reduced corporate taxes. However, the pandemic’s impact on sectors other than energy is expected to be negative, with a sharp contraction predicted for the Turkish economy. Turkey’s economic recovery is contingent on the revival of other countries’ economies, with global forecasts indicating a significant recession.

The pharmaceutical sector, considered vital during a global health crisis, faced unique challenges. Global pharma executives expressed concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. In Turkey, the pharmaceutical sector played a crucial role in the outbreak response. Local manufacturers adapted production lines to meet the increased demand for critical products such as antibiotics, antivirals, and medical devices. However, the market for non-COVID-19 related medications declined as patients avoided hospitals. Supply chain disruptions, particularly in the availability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from Asia, posed challenges to the industry.

Turkey’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic required a delicate balance between public health measures and economic considerations. The government implemented various restrictions and support packages to contain the virus and mitigate the economic impact. The pharmaceutical industry played a critical role in meeting the increased demand for essential products, but supply chain disruptions and decreased demand for non-COVID-19 medications presented significant challenges. As the world grapples with the pandemic, Turkey continues to navigate the evolving situation while striving to protect the health of its citizens and revive its economy.