Aerial view of a construction site on a desert landscape during sunset, with partially built structures and surrounding trees.

Building the future of burn care. 

construction photos from November 2025

healing burns, transforming lives

The Varanasi Burn Institute will transform lives with:

•  126-Bed Facility: Phase I (62 beds)
and Phase II (64 beds)

•  Regional Skin Bank: The first in the area,
providing life-saving grafts.

• 26 ICU beds with individual Air Handling Units.

•  24/7 Emergency Services: Dedicated burn ambulances for rapid response.

•  Telemedicine Facility: Connecting remote areas
for expert care.

•  Comprehensive Rehab: Supporting survivors’ mobility & quality of life.

•  Research Unit: Advancing solutions for burn injuries.

•  Training Hub: Educating medical staff nationwide.

A modern multi-story building labeled 'Burn Centre' with large glass windows on the ground floor, vertical beige and white panels, and a wooden ceiling overhang, set against a blue sky with a few clouds. There are people walking and standing outside, palm trees and shrubs around the building.
Rendering of a modern medical office lobby with waiting area, wooden chairs, reception desk, and decorative wall panels, shown from four different angles.
Modern hospital reception area with wooden and white interior, featuring signs for 'Advanced Burn Unit' and a few people waiting or talking.

The Varanasi Burn Institute will be the largest burn center in India. (Largest number of ICU and non ICU beds, largest  building structure and largest site area.) It will be a comprehensive burn care center- from Acute burn care to rehabilitation. From intensive care to psychological support. From despair to hope. VBI will have the first skin bank of the region in addition to its own blood bank. The treatment facility is state-of-the-art, very scientifically planned. Every ICU will have separate air handling systems, to prevent cross infection. VBI will provide 24/7 support for burn patients and hospitals in the region. It will have its own ICU ambulances and a 24/7 emergency department. A robust telemedicine program will provide patient care, follow-up and training. The Varanasi Burn Institute will be a center for training education and research in modern burn care - for doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff.

“The Varanasi Burn Institute will provide inspiration and immediately improve the standards of care for burn victims in India and South Asian countries.”
— Dr. Subodh Singh
A woman and a man smiling at a social event, dressed in formal attire, standing inside a tent.

With funding from the Thompson Family Foundation this dream is now reality.

Bill and Nancy Thompson, founders of the Thompson Family Foundation, have guided its growth from local school and community support to transformative, multi-year commitments in education, healthcare, and humanitarian causes, including the Thompson Center for Autism in Missouri. Their philosophy of “engaged philanthropy” led them to India, where, during a visit, they met renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Subodh Singh. Moved by his dedication to equitable burn care access, the Thompsons committed to supporting his long-term vision. With start-up funding from the Foundation, a new state-of-the-art burn care center is now under construction in Varanasi. The facility will more than triple the number of surgeries performed from about 4,000 a year to over 15,000—and will serve as a training hub for doctors across India, expanding access to life-changing treatment for burn survivors.