Nigeria, Oct. 13 -- Health is one of the clearest tests of whether public service has meaning in the everyday life of the citizen. He may not immediately understand a motion on the floor of the House. He may not follow every debate on policy, budgetary allocation or public finance, but understands the difference between being able to take a sick child to hospital and having to postpone treatment. He understands the fear that comes with an unexpected diagnosis and the quiet pain of watching a manageable medical condition worsen because timely medical attention is beyond reach.

I believe access to healthcare should be available to everyone at an affordable cost, irrespective of class. I understand the anxiety of having to choose between a ...