Sri Lanka, July 10 -- Doctors in leading state hospitals are showing reluctance to prescribe medicines, surgical items to be purchased from private or third parties in light of the recent allegations made against Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne, a leading neurosurgeon, informed sources said.

The specialist who is attached to the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital is embroiled in a legal battle over allegations of selling medical equipment valued at Rs. 50,000 to patients for Rs. 175,000 through a private company

As a result, doctors are reluctant to ask patients to purchase urgently needed medicines and surgical items from outside, even when there are shortages within the state hospital system.

"This situation has forced us to suspend or delay...