Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, former President Jose Ramos Horta, were among those paying tributes to Dr Murphy, who died aged 75.

“The contribution and extreme dedication of Dan Murphy in the treatment of the most vulnerable will never be forgotten and will forever be remembered with great affection, admiration and respect for all Timorese,” Ruak said in a statement. 

“Thanks of a forever grateful nation,” he added.

Horta posted on Facebook that Timor-Leste had lost “a good man”.

“Dan was the doctor of the poor. Now he has left us. We shall strive to continue his mission, honour his legacy,” he said.

Dr Murphy, who set-up and ran the medical clinic of the Pite Neighbourhood in Dili from 1998, was feted by many Timorese people for standing up for the rights of the nation’s poor, providing free health treatment for up to 300 patients a day. The clinic specialised in the treatment of leukemia, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

Dr Murphy was awarded the Medal of Merit in 2009, Timor-Leste’s highest order.

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