Located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, Kankavli is a picturesque rural town nestled between lush hills and the shimmering Arabian Sea. Surrounded by coconut groves and green paddy fields, the town is known for its tranquil beauty and a deeply rooted Konkani culture. As of 2025, Kankavli Nagar Panchayat has an estimated population of 23,700, most of whom are engaged in agriculture, fishing, and small-scale industries. Manual labour, especially in farming, plays a major role in daily life, but the lack of ergonomic tools and awareness often leads to chronic spinal problems among residents.
With an estimated population of around 24.37 lakh in 2025 (12.45 lakh males and 11.92 lakh females), Bijapur is primarily an agrarian society. A large portion of the population depends on agriculture and manual labour for their livelihood, often leading to chronic physical strain. Many workers experience spinal issues due to long hours of bending, lifting, and inadequate ergonomic support—problems that are rarely addressed due to a lack of access to specialized healthcare in the region. For most residents, traveling long distances is the only option for quality medical treatment, which is neither practical nor affordable.
Healthcare in Kankavli is basic, with a sub-district hospital and a few clinics serving the population. Specialized medical services, particularly for spinal care, have long been inaccessible. This gap has been especially harmful for laborers and farmers who silently suffer from spinal disorders due to the physical demands of their work.
To address these critical needs, The Spine Foundation (TSF) initiated its work in Kankavli with a Feasibility Visit from March 22–24, 2024. During this visit, TSF’s team evaluated local facilities, consulted with healthcare practitioners, and identified patients in need of immediate care. This visit laid the foundation for continued interventions.
From May 17–19, 2024, TSF held a Surgical Spine Camp, bringing specialized care to a community where such services were virtually non-existent. The initiative was more than a medical effort—it gave people hope, mobility, and relief from years of pain. Another Spine Surgical Camp took place from August 2–4, 2024, at the Sub-District Hospital, where surgeries were conducted, and extensive consultations provided to explain conditions and treatment options.
The work continued with the Kankavli OPD Spine Camp held from November 8–10, 2024, during which 119 patients were examined by expert spine specialists, receiving free consultations and personalized medical advice. From December 6–8, 2024, TSF organized another surgical camp where six patients underwent life-changing spinal procedures for conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis—many of whom had lived with pain for years.
Beyond treatment, TSF focuses on awareness, prevention, and capacity building. The Foundation educates the local population on back care, promotes early diagnosis, and empowers community health workers, ensuring long-term sustainability. These initiatives are supported through philanthropic partnerships and a deep understanding of rural healthcare challenges.
In a town where beauty, tradition, and hard work define daily life, The Spine Foundation’s presence is helping Kankavli stand taller—literally and figuratively. By bringing accessible spinal healthcare to the heart of this rural community, TSF is paving the way for a healthier, more resilient future rooted in dignity and care.