Erdoğan ally Bahçeli, 72, to receive early COVID-19 vaccine from China

Ruling alliance partner Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli will be among the first in Turkey to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to be delivered to the country on Dec. 11. The 72-year-old politician would be granted top-priority under the Health Ministry's vaccine administration schedule.

Thursday December 10 2020 03:59 pm

Duvar English

Ruling alliance partner Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli will be among Turkey's first recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine expected to be delivered from China on Dec. 11, an official statement from the party said.

The 72-year-old, who has suffered from health problems in recent years, would be granted top priority per the Health Ministry's vaccine administration schedule.

The ministry said earlier this month that seniors over 65 and healthcare workers would be granted top priority for the vaccine, while essential workers and anyone with health problems above 50 would be in the second-tier.

The third group of vaccine recipients includes anyone under 50 with pre-existing conditions, as well as working adults.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said that he would be the first one to receive the vaccine once it is delivered.