Latest news with #ECRP
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
2,426 cr Covid fight bill hit state economy hard: Report
1 2 3 Visakhapatnam: The Covid-19 pandemic not only triggered a public health emergency but also imposed significant financial pressure on the Andhra Pradesh exchequer. Between 2019–20 and 2022–23, the state incurred an expenditure of 4,606 crore on various Covid-19 prevention and management measures, according to the CAG report. Andhra Pradesh was among the hardest-hit states, recording over 23 lakh cases—ranking fifth in the country in terms of case load. In response to the emerging crisis, the state ramped up healthcare infrastructure beginning February 2020. Key initiatives included setting up diagnostic labs, expanding testing capacity, procuring medicines and vaccines, strengthening oxygen supply networks, and mobilizing critical medical resources. Although public health is a state responsibility, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provided both technical and financial aid to assist states in managing the pandemic. The Centre introduced the Emergency Covid Response Package (ECRP) to curb transmission and mitigate impact. Under ECRP-I, funds released to Andhra Pradesh in FY 2020–21 were fully borne by the Centre. In 2021–22, the funding was shared between Centre and state in a 60:40 ratio. According to the CAG report, during the four-year period, Andhra Pradesh received a total allocation of 4,961.36 crore (both Central and state share) and spent 4,606 crore. Of this, the state govt on its part spent 2,426.47 crore. GoI's share amounted to 1,876.44 crore, of which 1,612.45 crore was utilised. From the state disaster response fund, 140.95 crore was used out of the allocated 187.87 crore. Meanwhile, 426.13 crore was spent from the district mineral fund, against an allocation of 534.41 crore. At the onset of the pandemic in Feb 2020, Andhra Pradesh had no Covid-19 testing infrastructure. The state responded swiftly by establishing 135 testing laboratories. Until these labs became operational, test samples had to be sent to other states for processing. During the second wave, the state expanded the number of Covid-19 treatment hospitals from 260 in the first wave to over 640. It also ramped up human resources, recruiting 17,300 doctors and support staff during the first wave, and an additional 18,000 medical personnel during the second wave. Notably, Andhra Pradesh became one of the few states in India to achieve 100% double-dose vaccination coverage among eligible population groups. In a major welfare initiative, Andhra Pradesh became the first state in the country to include Covid-19 treatment under its flagship Arogyasri health scheme (now renamed as NTR Vaidya Seva). This decision enabled over 1 lakh patients to receive free inpatient treatment at private hospitals across the state.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Contractor network in London formulated to thwart ‘fly-by-night' scammers
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — London Mayor Randall Weddle and Attorney General Russell Coleman announced on Wednesday that they created a program to prevent fly-by-night home improvement contractors from preying on storm victims. 'Following natural disasters, consumers may encounter bad actors or dishonest business practices through price gouging, charity scams, loan scams, and contracting scams,' Weddle said. 'Consumers should be aware of these scams and report them to the Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection.' Laurel County tornado victims look toward future as law enforcement cracks down on looters The Emergency Contractor Registration Program (ECRP) requires any contractor operating in city limits to register with local government officials before doing business in areas impacted by storm damage. Mayor Weddle announced on social media on Wednesday, May 18, that the attorney general's Disaster Fraud Task Force had been activated to catch those who may be trying to commit home improvement scams. According to Mayor Weddle, registered contractors would be issued placards that must be displayed on their job sites. City leaders said ECRP forms are available at the office of the city of London building inspector (606-862-8401) or the office of the city clerk (606-864-4169), both located at 501 South Main Street. Registration is free. London mother, toddler survive being blown away by tornado: 'I hear him crying' Prestonsburg Veterinary Hospital works to help pets impacted by tornado Video shows moments before Georgetown man accused of planning to meet minor is arrested Weddle wrote that Attorney General Coleman's Consumer Protection Division had tips consumers may want to know regarding 'fly-by-night contractors': Take time to research contractors or repair companies and get secondary opinions. London residents were encouraged to search for contractors via the Better Business Bureau website, get referrals from friends and family, or visit the city building inspector's office, as they are reportedly responsible for registering or licensing contract work. Resist pressure tactics and don't accept work at a 'special discount' on the spot. Never pay in advance or up front for repair work. Don't sign insurance checks over to a contractor. Be sure to get an invoice from your contractor and pay them directly, preferably with a credit card, so that charges may be disputed, if necessary. Review contracts carefully, and do not sign documents that give a contractor rights to your insurance claims. Officials in London said to report a scam, fill out this form. To report price-gouging, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Local GOP planning fundraiser
May 1—The Ector County Republican Party is holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 17 at the ECRP headquarters, 707 Jefferson St. The event will help the group "keep the lights on" at the headquarters. Salad, spaghetti, garlic bread and dessert will be served for $15 a plate. Dine in and pick up are available for the dinners. There will be a raffle drawing and door prizes as well as patriotic merchandise for sale. Raffle tickets are $10 and include a number of prizes including a $1,000 Sig Sauer P229, a Woodhouse Spa gift card, Yeti cooler and a Michael Kors purse, as well as other prizes. Call 432-413-8894 or 432-614-0628.
