Consumer commission orders home nursing firm to pay Rs 24,000 after abandoning bedridden patient

The Thrissur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission heard a complaint by Sindhu Paul, who paid Anna Matha Home Nursing Services a monthly fee of Rs 20,000 for continuous care of her bedridden mother, Leelamma Paul, at St Anne's Sadan Old Age Home. After six months, the nurse abruptly quit on February 15, 2025, leaving the patient unattended, and the agency failed to provide a replacement despite assurances. The commission, presided over by President C T Sabu and members Sreeja S and Ram Mohan R, accepted the complainant's evidence and noted the agency offered no rebuttal. It ordered the agency to refund Rs 4,000 with interest, pay Rs 15,000 for service deficiency and mental distress, and cover Rs 5,000 in litigation expenses, all within 45 days.