OKEECHOBEE — Gastro in Florida, the practice of board-certified gastroenterologist Vikram Tarugu, MD, announced its Scholarship Program: a limited number of free consultation appointments each month for patients with genuine financial hardship who need digestive-health care but have been putting it off because of cost.

The program covers the consultation visit. Procedures, testing, and facility services are not free, and the practice will discuss costs and options openly with program patients before anything is scheduled. Appointments are limited each month and are offered case by case.

“Digestive symptoms don’t wait for a better financial month, and neither do colon polyps,” said Dr. Tarugu. “If cost is the only reason someone in our community hasn’t had a worrying symptom looked at — or hasn’t scheduled the colon cancer screening they’re due for — I want them to call us. We’ll find a way to at least start the conversation.”

Dr. Tarugu is board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine, with more than 20 years in practice and over 20,000 procedures performed. His practice provides colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (EGD), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), ERCP, FibroScan liver assessment, capsule endoscopy, and EMR, with offices in Okeechobee and Wellington (Wellington Digestive Institute).

How to apply: Call Gastro in Florida at (863) 824-3447 and mention the Scholarship Program.
Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.

Most plans do not require a referral — they will check yours. Learn more at gastroinflorida.com.

About Gastro in Florida
Gastro in Florida is the gastroenterology practice of Vikram Tarugu, MD, serving Okeechobee, Wellington, and surrounding communities, including Sebring, Fort Pierce, and Port St. Lucie. Services include colon cancer screening, colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, EUS, ERCP, FibroScan, liver ultrasound, capsule endoscopy, and EMR.