PATNA, June 11 -- The Bihar health department on Tuesday suspended a government doctor over alleged negligence and dereliction of duty linked to the June 4 fire at Muzaffarpur's Prasad Hospital that claimed seven lives. Dr Pankaj Kumar, a medical officer posted at the primary health centre (PHC) in Bandra block of Muzaffarpur, was allegedly absent from his government posting and working at the private hospital when the fire broke out. In a statement, the department alleged that Dr Kumar fled the premises during the fire, leaving patients in the ICU unattended amid the emergency. The health department said disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against the doctor after a preliminary inquiry found serious irregularities in his conduct. Officials said the action followed an inquiry based on reports submitted by the DM and civil surgeon. The blaze at the private hospital killed seven patients, most of them admitted in the ICU. Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire was triggered by an electrical short-circuit and spread rapidly because of oxygen support systems and combustible material inside the ICU. The incident triggered outrage and prompted the health department to order statewide fire safety audits of hospitals ....