Melbourne, Apr. 10: Indian-born Doctor Jayant Patel, who is facing manslaughter charges in Australia, is reportedly evaluating various options to avoid being extradited to Australia.

Patel’s lawyer, Marc Blackman, has asked a US judge to push back his client’s April 18 extradition hearing in Portland, Oregon, for at least three weeks so that he can "evaluate his options".

If extradited to Australia, Patel, who is also known as Dr. Death, faces the possibility of serving a lengthy prison term on 16 charges, including manslaughter, grievous bodily harm and fraud.

US District Court Judge Dennis Hubel is expected to rule on the schedule change tomorrow when Dr Patel is due to appear in his court in Portland, www. news. com. au reported.

The manslaughter charges relate to alleged botched operations Dr Patel performed at Queensland's Bundaberg Base Hospital between 2003 and 2005.

FBI officers have locked up Dr Patel, 57, in a Portland prison since his arrest on March 11.

Judge Hubel last week rejected Dr Patel's bail application. If Dr Patel fights extradition, the process could take more than two years in the US court system. (ANI)