Dr Mahendra Chand, who is facing disciplinary action over his treating of a tortured teen while the teen’s head was covered with a bag, has submitted a response to the findings of the Medical Council of Guyana, according to Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy who said he has seen the response.

Dr Ramsammy told Stabroek News the response was tendered on Tuesday and he now awaits the decision of the Council which would have to be forwarded to him for approval.

The minister said he did not want to comment further on the issue only to say he expects the council’s decision “very soon.”

Dr Chand has been asked to respond to initial findings surrounding his conduct and to say what action he believes should be taken against him.

Three options are open to the Council: stripping Chand of his licence, suspending him or censuring him.

Chand has denied wrongdoing in the case but has faced intense criticism for treating the boy while his face was covered with a bag. Based on the doctor’s statement, Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack concluded that his conduct “leaves much to be desired” and she had advised the police force to forward his statement to the Medical Council of Guyana for appropriate action to be taken, in accordance with the law.

Ali-Hack’s recommendation was released along with the report into the investigation of the torture of the teen and two adult males, who were held by police in connection with the murder of former Region Three vice-chairman Ramenauth Bisram.