Indian-origin doctor Jayant Patel likely to face new trials in Australia

MELBOURNE: Indian-origin surgeon Jayant Patel could face another trial relating to the alleged removal of a healthy gland from a patient's neck, an Australian court was informed on Friday.Prosecutor Ross Martin SC confirmed in the Brisbane SupremeCourt that the crown still intended to proceed with a charge of grievous bodilyharm relating to patient Darcy Russell Blight."I have no reason notto, subject to any negotiations that might arise," Martin was quoted as sayingby the Australian news agency AAP.61-year-old Patel is now facingseven charges of fraud, and one of attempted fraud, relating to his applicationto work at Bundaberg Base Hospital.It is also alleged Patel hid thefact that he had been found guilty of gross negligence in the US and was bannedfrom performing oesophagectomies and some abdominal procedures.Lastyear, Patel, dubbed as "Dr death" in Australian media, was jailed for sevenyears for the manslaughter of three patients and the grievous bodily harm of afourth, while working at the Bundaberg hospital.Patel, who has notbeen represented by his lawyers for the last two hearings, told the court hewanted the matters to proceed as quickly as possible.Both matterswere set down for review in a fortnight's time, after the deadline has passedfor Patel to launch a High Court appeal relating to his convictions.