Tucked away in the culturally rich Saurashtra region of Gujarat, Amreli is a land where tradition, devotion, and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Known for its close proximity to the majestic Gir National Park and its sprawling farmlands, Amreli enchants both heritage lovers and nature enthusiasts. As of 2025, the district is home to over 1.65 million people, the majority of whom reside in surrounding rural villages that are still relatively isolated from major urban developments. Despite its serene charm and vibrant traditions, life in Amreli often comes with physical hardship, especially for those engaged in agriculture and household labour.
The economic fabric of Amreli is tightly woven with agriculture and animal rearing. Daily life for many includes intense physical activities such as lifting, bending, carrying heavy loads, and performing repetitive manual tasks. Farmers, in particular, spend long hours in fields, often without the awareness or tools to maintain proper spinal posture. Women, too, play an equally laborious role—grinding spices by hand, fetching water in pots carried on their heads, sweeping floors, and washing clothes—all of which strain the spine over time. The toll on their bodies is gradual but significant, with chronic back pain and spinal injuries becoming disturbingly common.
Amreli’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its pastoral and semi-nomadic traditions. The district comes alive during festivals like Navratri and Diwali, where locals celebrate with devotional songs, vibrant attire, folk dances, and elaborate feasts. Gujarati remains the primary language spoken here, often flavoured with local Kathiawadi dialects. These age-old customs are lovingly preserved, particularly during weddings and community gatherings, reinforcing a sense of unity and cultural pride among its residents.
Despite this strong cultural foundation, Amreli faces serious challenges when it comes to healthcare and education. With a literacy rate hovering around 76.5%, many rural pockets still struggle with access to quality education—especially for girls and women. The healthcare system, while offering basic medical services, falls short when it comes to specialized care. In the case of spine-related conditions, the absence of nearby spine specialists often forces residents to travel long distances to cities like Rajkot or Ahmedabad, making timely diagnosis and treatment inaccessible for many. Those suffering from debilitating back pain are left to manage on their own, sometimes for years, without any expert intervention.
It is this widening gap between need and access that The Spine Foundation (TSF) has set out to bridge. Recognizing the prevalence of spinal issues directly tied to the rural lifestyle of Amreli’s people, TSF launched a targeted healthcare initiative in the region. In collaboration with Shantabaa Medical College and General Hospital, the foundation held a significant spine surgical camp from February 16th to 18th, 2024. Over the course of these three days, the hospital transformed into a center of hope for patients long neglected by the healthcare system. TSF’s team of spine specialists provided free OPD consultations and diagnostic services to dozens of patients, many of whom were receiving expert spinal care for the very first time in their lives.
What made this camp even more impactful was TSF’s decision to go beyond diagnostics. Three patients, identified as needing immediate surgical intervention, underwent life-altering spinal surgeries during the camp. These weren’t just medical procedures—they were acts of restoration. For those individuals, the surgeries meant relief from chronic pain, renewed mobility, and a chance to return to their livelihoods and daily lives with dignity. In a region where healthcare infrastructure is limited, the successful execution of such complex surgeries stands as a testament to TSF’s commitment to serving the underserved.
But The Spine Foundation’s work in Amreli doesn’t end with one-off medical camps. The team firmly believes that sustainable healthcare must include education, prevention, and community empowerment. TSF continues to work closely with local authorities and grassroots organizations to raise awareness about spinal health across Amreli’s villages. Residents are educated on spine-friendly practices such as proper lifting techniques, posture correction, and simple at-home back-strengthening exercises. The foundation also conducts training programs for local healthcare providers, including physiotherapists and nurses, ensuring that spinal rehabilitation knowledge is embedded within the community itself. By building local capacity, TSF makes it possible for patients to receive continued care even after the visiting specialists leave.
In a district where physical labor is unavoidable and medical care often out of reach, The Spine Foundation has become a symbol of progress, compassion, and resilience. Their presence in Amreli not only addresses immediate medical needs but also lays the groundwork for a healthier future through education, accessibility, and consistent support. As the people of Amreli carry forward their traditions and aspirations, TSF ensures that they do so with strong backs, open hearts, and the confidence that expert care is never too far away.