Australia rejects Dr Death's offer to return to face charges

The Queensland government has rejected an offer from Indian-origin surgeon Jayant Patel to return to Australia to face charges for the deaths of several patients, sparking outrage from victims' families, who called the move a political decision.

The deal, which would have permitted Patel, termed Dr Death in the Australian media, to fly back home in the US after being charged, was turned down because the state would be "dependent on his good grace," according to state Attorney-General Linda Lavarch.

"It was unacceptable for this matter to have proceeded in a way where he would have been given the opportunity to leave Australia on two occasion," Lavarch told The Australian.

The rejection of the deal came in for heavy criticism, with the leader of Patient Support Group Beryl Crosby calling for examination of the government's motives.

"We want answers on why the hell they have not let him come back voluntarily. They have made a political decision at the expense of the patients.

"It was purely to save Beattie's hide," said Crosby, referring to state Premier Peter Beattie, who risked being defeated in the state election over the Patel scandal.

Patel, who is currently based in Oregon in the US, is linked to the deaths of around 17 patients while working at the Bundaberg Base Hospital hospital between 2003 and 2005.

He faces upto 26 charges, including manslaughter and fraud.