Jamaica's health minister hospitalized after being hit from bicycle

Jamaica's Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton was hospitalized on Sunday for minor injuries he sustained in an incident that occurred while he was cycling.

It was reported that the minister was hit by a vehicle that was reportedly being driven by a popular dancehall artiste.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Tufton shared that he was "counting" himself "very lucky" following the traffic incident.

"Well this Sunday wasn’t planned! Took a fall this morning on my bicycle," Tufton wrote in an Instagram post early on Sunday afternoon.

He posted a photograph of himself in bed at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

The minister can be seen with bandages on his forehead and arm while sharing a handshake with dancehall artiste Valiant.

"Counting myself very lucky because it could have been worse!! Thanks to God and to all who have me in their prayers and sent messages," Tufton stated.

"Also, thanks to Valiant who was involved, for rushing me to UHWI, and to the team of doctors and nurses who are currently attending to me," the minister concluded his post.

Tufton did not elaborate on how he fell from his bicycle nor the nature of the injuries he sustained from the mishap. He also did not confirm whether it was Valiant who was driving the vehicle he was hit by.

Meanwhile, several persons, including members of both political parties, have been sending thoughtful messages to the minister on social media.

"Speedy recovery @christufton," wrote Prime Minister Andrew Holness on X, formerly Twitter.

People's National Party (PNP) General Secretary, Dr Dayton Campbell, wrote: "Wishing for you a speedy and complete recovery @christufton. Give thanks for life!"

The health minister is well known to be a lover of cycling and routinely rides his bicycle in the Kingston/St. Andrew parishes.