Australia's Dubious Dr. Jayant Patel

On June 30, Meraiah Foley reported that an independent audit conducted by Queensland Health officials concluded that Patel likely contributed to eight patient deaths instead of 87, as was previously reported in the Australian media. According to Foley, the conclusion was reached after evaluating 221 files of patients who died from "'adverse' outcomes after being in Patel's care." Patel was suspected of another eight patient deaths, but evidence concerning the cases proved inconclusive, it was further reported.

Dr. Jayant Patel

In the meantime, the Australian Associated Press stated that Queensland detectives will not seek to extradite Patel and will instead continue their investigation concerning his alleged "fraudulent application to practice medicine in Australia" and complaints of malpractice. Bundaberg Hospital chief Darren Keating has since filed for a restraining injunction against Tony Morris and two of his deputies with the Supreme Court in Brisbane to put a halt to the inquiry, citing that they demonstrated "apprehended bias" against Patel, Leanne Edmistone and Amanda Watt said in The Nation. Former patients of Patel who believe he was responsible for medical negligence are outraged by the possibility that the probe might be shut down and have demanded that the investigation continue.

Thus far, the query has not been halted. Investigators are still hoping to obtain statements from Patel concerning the informal charges. However, for now they will be forced to wait until he is ready to tell his side of the story.