Indian-origin doctor banned from practising in Australia

Authorities in Australia on Friday banned an Indian-origin surgeon from practising in the country after he was found to have lied in his job application and lacked professional competence in performing complex surgeries, a media report said.

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal ordered the registration of former Bundaberg Hospital surgeon Jayant Patel, who was convicted and jailed in 2010 on three counts of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm to a fourth patient, be cancelled and he never be allowed to practice again in Australia, ABC Online reported.

Judge Alexander Horneman-Wren said that Patel lied to be registered in Queensland state and he lacked the competence to perform complex surgeries.

Patel, who was facing disciplinary action since 2005, did not attend the hearing.

The Medical Board of Australia and the Health Practitioner Regulation Agency had sought legal action against the Indian-origin doctor who served time in jail but won a high court challenge against his conviction and was released from jail in 2012.

The Board said it would advise international medical regulators about the findings against Patel.