The Minister for Health, HIV and AIDS and member for Abau has conveyed his sympathies to the immediate family of the late doctor, Sir Reuben Taureka.
It has been reported that the former statesman passed away today. Details into his death are still sketchy.
Sir Puka Temu, on behalf of the people of Abau district, said Sir Reuben’s passing is a great loss for the country and Abau.
The late Sir Reuben was one of Papua New Guinea’s first medical doctors and was also the first Health Minister in Michael Somare's and PNG's first ministry.
Sir Puka said the country owes it to pioneers like the late Sir Reuben who contributed immensely to the development of health and politics in the early days.
Sir Puka thanked the family of the late Sir Reuben for allowing their husband, father and brother to share his knowledge, skills and expertise with the rest of the country.
He will be greatly missed in the Aroma Coast, especially in his home village of Maopa where he has contributed enormously in health services in his community.
(The late Sir Reuben Taureka)