Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, lies nestled in the picturesque Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas. Situated approximately 240 kilometres north of New Delhi, it is known for its serene environment, scenic landscapes, and rich historical roots. The city’s charm lies in its harmonious blend of modern urban development and the timeless traditions of the Garhwal region. With an estimated population of nearly 19.94 lakh in 2025, including 10.55 lakh males and 9.39 lakh females, Dehradun is one of the fastest-growing districts in Uttarakhand.
Despite the increasing urbanization, a significant portion of Dehradun’s residents depend on agriculture and manual labor, especially in surrounding rural and hilly areas. Farming remains a common livelihood, but the physically strenuous nature of this work—often carried out without ergonomic tools or proper posture awareness—leads to a high incidence of spinal ailments. Lower back pain, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis are frequently reported, especially among the working class and elderly population.
Although Dehradun is relatively well-equipped in terms of basic healthcare, access to specialized services—particularly for spinal disorders—remains limited and often unaffordable for many. People from remote Himalayan villages and smaller towns travel to Dehradun in search of medical attention, but due to the high cost of spinal surgeries, they are often forced to endure chronic pain in silence.
Recognizing this urgent gap, The Spine Foundation (TSF) partnered with Swami Vivekanand Charitable Hospital to bring advanced spinal care to Dehradun. This hospital, with 11 satellite clinics spread across the interior Himalayas, serves as a critical access point for patients from remote regions. TSF’s efforts began with a landmark spine surgery camp from June 7th to 9th, 2024, during which 10 patients underwent complex spinal surgeries. These procedures were made possible by the inauguration of a new Operating Theatre (OT) complex at the hospital—marking TSF’s first spine surgeries in the region. The camp offered free consultations, diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans, with a focus on empathy and post-operative care.
Another significant moment came when the Rotary Club of Hanging Garden donated a high-tech C-Arm imaging machine, a crucial advancement that allows surgeons to perform precise and safer spinal operations. This act of generosity enhanced TSF’s capability to serve the underprivileged with cutting-edge care.
Following this, TSF organized additional surgical camps in Dehradun. From September 26th to 29th, 2024, seven more patients were successfully treated for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spine conditions. Each of these cases involved complete pre- and post-operative care, ensuring sustainable recovery. A further camp from December 26th to 28th, 2024, demonstrated TSF’s enduring commitment, where even a single surgery represented a life transformed—proof that no effort is too small when it comes to healthcare equity.
Dehradun today stands as a symbol of progress rooted in culture—where education, diversity, and compassion intersect. While the city continues to grow as a modern hub for learning and development, it does not shy away from its responsibility toward those who reside in its underserved pockets and hilly peripheries. The collaborative healthcare efforts by organizations like The Spine Foundation are not just medical interventions—they represent hope, healing, and human connection. These camps are a testament to what can be achieved when advanced medical expertise reaches those who have long been deprived of it. With each surgery, a life is transformed, a family is relieved, and a community takes one step closer to wellness. By consistently bringing state-of-the-art spine care to regions like Dehradun, The Spine Foundation continues to lead by example—bridging gaps, building trust, and inspiring a healthier future for all.