Coronavirus: Turkish pharmacist defies government to help those in need – The National

Coronavirus: Turkish pharmacist defies government to help those in need – The National

Coronavirus: Turkish pharmacist defies government to help those in need. Politician Gamze Tascier gives out face masks from her pharmacy and pays for food purchases of those in need, despite a government crackdown on unsanctioned aid. "I distribute masks to those who need them in the neighbourhood, where I have owned a pharmacy for years.". The distribution of face masks, as well relief efforts, have become the topic of political debate.. The sale of face masks was also banned as the government planned to distribute them to citizens free of charge.. Ms Tascier said some pharmacists had already died from Covid-19 and a pharmacist friend has tested positive.. People have been very grateful to her and her colleagues for their efforts to help them, so they continue.. "I also deliver boxes of masks to people the CHP's district organisations say need help.. So I have been able to reach as many people as possible in many districts in Ankara.". When Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, who also represents the CHP, appealed for people to take up the tradition of paying off the debts of the less fortunate at their local food shops as a means to evade government relief restrictions, Ms