Building Sports Medicine in Mauritius: From Vision to Reality with Dr Adisha Bhola

Building Sports Medicine in Mauritius: From Vision to Reality with Dr Adisha Bhola

Author: South African Sports Medicine Association November 5, 2025 Duration: 19:27

In this episode of the SASMA Podcast, Dr Aasha Parshotam sits down with Dr Adisha Bhola, President of the Sports and Exercise Medicine Association of Mauritius (SEMA) and Chief Medical Officer of the Mauritius Rugby Federation, to explore how a small island nation is becoming a model for integrated, evidence-based sports and exercise medicine in Africa.

Dr Bhola shares her journey from London to Mauritius and the challenges of establishing a sports-medicine system from the ground up. Together they unpack:

  • How Mauritius is using exercise prescription programmes to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension.
  • The creation of the Institute of Sports Medicine and the role of public-private-academic collaboration.
  • Behind-the-scenes medical planning for the Mauritius Sevens tournament, including tropical health risks and emergency protocols.
  • The future vision for sports and exercise medicine in Mauritius — from specialty recognition to embedding exercise in primary care.

This inspiring conversation highlights how leadership, community partnerships, and education can transform athlete care and public health — even in resource-limited settings.


Produced by the South African Sports Medicine Association, SASMA connects the dots between clinical research and the real-world demands of training and competition. This isn't just a lecture series; it's a vital dialogue for anyone invested in athletic performance and well-being. You'll hear experienced sports medicine professionals in candid conversation with the physicians, physiotherapists, sports scientists, and psychologists who work at the forefront of the field. Their discussions delve into the practical applications of new studies, break down emerging treatment innovations, and debate evolving best practices. Whether you're an athlete fine-tuning your recovery, a coach designing safer programs, or a medical practitioner looking to deepen your knowledge, this podcast serves as an ongoing seminar. The conversations are detailed and nuanced, offering actionable insights that bridge the gap between the journal article and the clinic, the lab and the field. Tune in to SASMA for a thoughtful exploration of how the science of sports medicine is continuously refined, challenged, and put into practice.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 43

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