The charges against the surgeon nicknamed 'Dr Death', are linked to the deaths of patients during his time as director of surgery at Bundaberg Base Hospital in southern Queensland between 2003 and 2005.

The hearing for one of the most anticipated cases in Queensland state will begin tomorrow with prosecutors presenting their witnesses. Lloyd Toft, who was chairman of the Medical Board when Patel was registered to practice in the state will be called to give medical evidence.

The hearing could see at least 50 of the 150 witnesses linked to the case being presented in court in the scheduled time of three weeks, the Couriermail.com reported.

Patel, 58, was extradited to Australia in July last year after giving up his fight to be tried in the United States.

He has been charged with 16 offences, including three manslaughter charges, eight fraud charges, two of grievous bodily harm and an alternate charge of a negligent act causing harm.