INCARCERATED dancehall deejay Vybz Kartel was rushed to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in St Andrew yesterday, after complaining of excruciating pain.

Tom Tavares-Finson, the deejay’s lawyer, confirmed the incident to the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

“I was informed by the prison authorities this morning (yesterday) that he was being taken to the University Hospital for treatment,” Tavares-Finson told the Observer. “That’s all I was told.”

The attorney could not confirm the cause of the deejay’s illness. However, sources close to the Observer said the deejay is being treated for a kidney infection.

According to the source, who requested anonymity, the deejay had been complaining of pains since last week. He was attended to by the medical staff at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston, who opted to send him to the UHWI for further treatment.

Upon to press time, the deejay was still at the hospital.

This is not the first time the deejay has been taken to that hospital. In July 2015, he visited the doctors at the facility due to a skin inflammation. His visit created quite a security concern as scores of fans converged on the hospital to get a glimpse of him.

Vybz Kartel (given name Adidja Palmer) is currently serving a life sentence following his murder conviction in relation to the death of Clive “Lizard” Williams in April 2014. He will be eligible for parole after 35 years.

Kartel’s co-accused, Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell and Kahira Jones, are to serve 25 years before they are eligible for parole, while Andre St John will do 30 years before qualifying for eligibility.

The entertainer’s attorney is currently working on his appeal.

“We have a date in November for preliminary hearing,” said Tavares-Finson.

Despite being behind bars, Vybz Kartel’s music continues to be in demand.