Indian-Origin Surgeon Jayant Patel Speaks on Quashed Australian Convictions

Indian-origin surgeon Jayant Patel, once convicted of manslaughter in Australia, has broken his silence for the first time since 2015, reflecting on the infamous Bundaberg hospital case from nearly two decades ago. Now 75 and living in Portland, Oregon, Patel described the events as “ages ago” and claimed he has “completely forgotten” the trauma and fatalities associated with his medical work in Australia.

Patel, who currently resides in the United States with his wife, was jailed in 2010 for seven years after being found criminally negligent in the deaths of three patients at a Queensland hospital, where he worked between 2003 and 2005. He was also found guilty of causing harm to a fourth patient. Allegations against him included botched surgeries, misdiagnoses, and sloppy surgical techniques.

However, in 2012, Australia’s highest court quashed his convictions, and in 2013, prosecutors dropped all remaining charges. Following the legal resolution, Patel relocated permanently to the United States.

During a brief interview, Patel appeared detached when recounting the events. He stated, “That’s done, that’s history … I don’t react to stupid criticisms, I’m moved on with my life. I’m fine.” The surgeon now reportedly lives a comfortable life in a four-bedroom brick house with three garages and drives a luxury vehicle. His wife, Kishoree Patel, is also a doctor, and the couple maintains a low-profile life in the US.

Despite the gravity of the events in Australia, Patel’s public remarks suggest a level of detachment from his controversial past. This has reignited discussions about medical accountability, legal appeals, and patient safety in international medical practice.