LAS VEGAS -- The endoscopy doctor accused of being responsible for patients being infected with hepatitis C was himself the focus of health questions Wednesday.
Attorneys fought over Dr. Dipak Desai's medical records. The defense says the District Attorney's office has no right to Desai's medical history. Prosecutors are wondering whether the doctor is faking recent medical problems to delay a trial.
"We know, or I at least suspect, that close to trial, or along the way, Dr. Desai will feign some sort of medical event, and again, we'll be in the same situation. I would like to gain access to the records so we can make an evaluation of our own," said Michael Staudaher, deputy district attorney.
Desai did not appear in the courtroom for the Wednesday hearing. Judge Donald Mosley says he will not allow the medical records to be handed over but he will make sure that Desai undergoes an independent mental and physical evaluation.
8 News NOW also learned Wednesday of developments in a financial settlement between two former patients who contracted hepatitis C and the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada.
"We have settled with the medical providers in the Allen and the Williams cases. We have settled with the clinics and the doctors," said Robert Eglet, attorney.
The judge is expected to approve the settlement Thursday.
Dr. Dipak Desai
