Australian authorities have dropped four charges against India-born surgeon Jayant Patel, who is allegedly involved in the deaths of 17 of his patients. 

Patel, dubbed 'Dr Death' by the local media, fled Australia for the United States in April 2005 after being implicated in a string of patient deaths at the Bundaberg Hospital in Queensland, where he was the director of surgery.

The government is now trying to get him extradited so that he can face trial in Australia. Director of Public Prosecutions (Queensland) Leanne Clare said on Wednesday that after discussions with the lawyer who will conduct the extradition application, additional statements had been sought from an expert witness.

"On the basis of the evidence from this witness, two charges of grievous bodily harm and two charges of negligent acts causing harm will not proceed," said Clare.

But she added that Patel would still face 16 charges, including three charges of manslaughter, three charges of grievous bodily harm, two charges of negligent acts causing harm and eight charges of fraud.