Nestled in the lush embrace of the Western Ghats in Valsad district, Gujarat, Dharampur is a serene, predominantly tribal town about 100 kilometers south of Surat. Surrounded by greenery, hills, and forests, it is home to a close-knit community rich in tradition and resilience. The area is dotted with tribal colonies and steeped in cultural heritage rooted in festivals, customs, and a deep connection with nature.
As of 2025, Dharampur Municipality hosts an estimated 35,100 residents, nearly 47.92% of whom belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. Tribal families have lived here for generations, often without easy access to modern infrastructure and healthcare.
Agriculture is the economic backbone of Dharampur. Most residents rely on farming or daily wage labor, depending heavily on monsoons and physically strenuous work. This labor-intensive lifestyle contributes to rising cases of spinal disorders such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and chronic back pain. With limited employment alternatives and poor access to specialized care, many endure long-term suffering without treatment.
Culturally, Dharampur thrives. Hindi is the primary language, though Gujarati is also widely understood. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Navratri are celebrated with traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, reinforcing community ties through music and storytelling.
Educationally, progress is ongoing but uneven. Many tribal hamlets still struggle with quality schooling, high dropout rates, and limited awareness about health and hygiene. These gaps contribute to a lack of preventive healthcare knowledge and delay in seeking medical attention.
Healthcare infrastructure remains sparse. Spine specialists are virtually unavailable locally, and for complex issues, patients must travel far—often unaffordable for many. This inaccessibility, combined with fear and misinformation, deters early intervention.
To address this, The Spine Foundation partnered with Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital in Dharampur in 2019, launching a series of free spine camps offering consultations, surgeries, and follow-up care. These camps welcome patients of all ages, with pre-camp screenings identifying those in urgent need of surgical treatment.
Key milestones include:
- February 3–4, 2024: 11 major spine surgeries conducted after comprehensive screening.
- July 5–7, 2024: The town witnessed its first-ever complex scoliosis surgeries, along with several others.
- September 13–15, 2024: Seven transformative surgeries performed by expert spine surgeons from Mumbai.
- December 6–8, 2024: Four more complex surgeries completed, offering mobility and relief to many.
Beyond surgery, The Spine Foundation promotes post-operative physiotherapy, ergonomic education, and awareness campaigns in local languages, ensuring tribal communities are informed and included.
In conclusion, Dharampur reflects the intersection of tradition and transformation. While its people remain culturally rich and resilient, they face modern health challenges. The Spine Foundation’s dedicated work with Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital is not just healing spines—it’s rebuilding lives, empowering communities, and bringing high-quality, compassionate care to some of India’s most underserved regions.