Indian born Dr Death, doctor Jayant Patel, accused of causing as many as 87 deaths in Bundaberg Base Hospital, Queensland, is likely to face manslaughter charges over 13 deaths.
Queensland Police have reportedly been given the green light to charge Patel with killing and maiming Bundaberg Hospital patients.
Health inquiry commissioner Geoff Davies, QC, who released a notice of potential adverse recommendations, sent to Dr Patel, said that the notice cleared the way for charges such as manslaughter, assault, negligent acts causing harm, fraud and stealing.
Although the next step will need to be taken by the Police Commissioner and Homicide Squad detectives who have been to Dr Patel's home in Portland in the Oregon, US, some patients have expressed relief to hear Davies' acknowledgement of the seriousness of the case, while others have expressed dissatisfaction.
Tess Bramich, whose husband Desmond's death was one of the 13 linked to Dr Patel's negligence, said she would have preferred a murder charge as recommended by ousted inquiry chief Tony Morris, QC, reports The Courier Mail.
"We will not rest until he gets what he deserves", she said.
{{/usCountry}}"We will not rest until he gets what he deserves", she said.
{{/usCountry}}Beryl Crosby, the support group leader said that now the victims were trying to move for Dr. Death's extradition, although the latter's lawyers have said that he will not return voluntarily.
The health inquiry's notice to Dr Patel accuses him of conducting "surgical procedures that you had been restricted from performing in the US" and of performing "beyond your competence, skill and expertise". It also accuses him of conducting highly complicated procedures, which were unnecessary and "beyond the capacity of the hospital and its staff", resulting in the death of 13 patients, and several other adverse outcomes.
Dr Patel's failure to report the 13 deaths to the coroner and record the true details in patient's files concerning infections, wound breakdowns, complications arising from surgery and the reasons for additional surgery has also been cited in the notice.
This apart, Dr Patel's deception in gaining registration in Queensland is also likely to form the basis of the fraud charges against him.
Oueensland Premier Peter Beattie, who after coming to know of the allegations against Dr Death, had called for the setting up of an inquiry committee, has welcomed the news that Dr. Patel could face manslaughter charges.