Nestled in the northwestern part of Maharashtra, Nandurbar is a district marked by scenic hills, dense forests, and a rich tribal heritage. With an estimated population of 1.83 million in 2025, the region is predominantly home to the Bhil, Pawra, and Kokani tribes, whose unique traditions, dialects, and customs have stood resilient amidst modern change. Their vibrant culture is evident in the colourful Bhagoria festival, traditional bamboo and cane crafts, and a strong community-oriented way of life rooted in nature and togetherness.
Life in Nandurbar, however, comes with its share of hardship. The majority of the population is engaged in agriculture and daily wage labour, often without access to modern tools or support. Farming here is physically gruelling, and without proper ergonomics or healthcare awareness, spine-related ailments such as back pain, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs are common, especially among the elderly and those doing fieldwork for long hours. Employment opportunities beyond farming and small-scale enterprises are limited, and poverty remains widespread.
Healthcare infrastructure in the district is sparse. While a few government hospitals and PHCs (Primary Health Centres) exist, specialized care—especially in spinal disorders—is virtually non-existent. Most villagers cannot afford the cost of traveling to cities or paying for expert consultations, forcing many to silently endure chronic pain or disability. This pain is often aggravated by the lack of health education and poor access to early intervention.
Compounding the issue is the state of education, especially in tribal belts where literacy rates remain below the national average. Schools are few and far between in remote areas, and even where they exist, dropout rates are high due to socioeconomic pressures. The lack of health awareness is deeply tied to these educational gaps, leaving many unaware of how treatable spinal disorders can be.
In this context, The Spine Foundation (TSF) has emerged as a lifeline for the people of Nandurbar. The foundation began its mission here in 2018, when it held its first spine care camp, offering free screenings, consultations, and surgeries for spine disorders. The efforts were met with overwhelming support from both villagers and local authorities, marking the beginning of a sustained medical intervention.
A defining moment came in October 2021, when TSF’s expert team conducted 10 complex spine surgeries in just 12 hours at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Nandurbar. These procedures gave new life to patients suffering from debilitating spinal conditions, many of whom had lost mobility or lived in chronic pain for years.
Continuing its commitment, TSF organized two more camps in 2024. From March 29th to 31st, the team returned to Nandurbar to conduct eight life-changing surgeries, using advanced techniques and cutting-edge equipment. Later that year, from October 18th to 20th, another camp was held, during which six more patients received critical spine surgeries. These camps went far beyond just surgery—they included pre-operative consultations, post-operative care, and patient counselling, ensuring holistic recovery.
In a land where resilience is a way of life but access to care is a luxury, The Spine Foundation’s mission in Nandurbar stands as a beacon of compassionate healthcare. By bridging the gap between tribal communities and modern medicine, TSF is ensuring that no one—regardless of geography or income—has to live in pain without hope.
