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Published on: Apr 06, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

MicroRNA That Makes Them Fight COVID Better ?

Recently you may have read a New Delhi based International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) sequenced the genome (genetic data) of SARS-COV-2 (coronavirus) from India, Italy, US, Nepal and Wuhan, China. They found that the Indian variant of SARS-CoV2 has the potential to be targeted by antiviral RNA within host cells, a feature that is unique to the Indian strain.

This amazing finding has been published on blogs, newspapers and other media as proof that Indians may not suffer as much as the rest of the world when the COVID-19 pandemic hits the country. One headline touted “MicroRNA in Indians may reduce severity of corona attack”, stating “Indians have comparatively better immunity compared to other countries”. Of course this article is being forwarded on WhatsApp, and enough people may take it as gospel. Is it true?

No.

If you want to know why, just look on the Journal’s website:

“these are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed. They should NOT be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behaviour, or be reported in news media as established information.”

Research is not easy. I could write a very long explanation for why, but I have summarised it below.

SUMMARY:

- To prove x causes y up to a high scientific standard is incredibly difficult

- Even if you think x causes y, someone might find a flaw in your study

- Numbers can be manipulated by statistics to show what you want to believe

- Reporters might not understand the study and mis-report it

- We all want to believe there is a magic cure that will protect us, that makes us special, immune to this disaster so we can get on with our lives. Unfortunately there simply isn’t one. And believing in them without fact checking can cause more harm than good.

IMMUNITY AGAINST COVID

So what about this study? Firstly it is looking at one tiny mechanism in a cell, when a cell can have millions of proteins responsible for a billion different functions in just the cell itself. Secondly it is not peer reviewed. This means no one has fact checked the study to check whether the design is valid, whether the statistics hold up, whether they have missed something or are making incorrect conclusions based off their data. Peer-reviewing a recent paper showing SARS-CoV-2 and HIV were extremely similar disproved this paper as false.

In the authors defence he acknowledges this:

“In our study, which is a purely computational one, we predicted that this microRNA binds to the SARS-Cov2 genome submitted from India. However, it is too early to comment on it because there is only one high coverage sequence from India, so far,”

Thirdly, the news article says that Indians have better immunity because of this “microRNA”. This is wrong. The study sequenced the genome of the virus, not of the Indian population. Antiviral microRNA is found in all people. The study simply suggests that this might be more effective at targeting the Indian strain of COVID, but it does not make any concrete claims that Indians are protected from COVID.

Again, the journal even states this:

“These are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed. They should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or be reported in news media as established information.”

But most importantly, even if the paper suggests that the Indian strain may be less potent, it does not give us an excuse to be reckless. We have to adhere to social distancing, hygiene, lockdown principles in order to prevent infection. Because what happens if you take the article stating “Indians have comparatively better immunity compared to other countries” as fact, use this as an excuse to go about your regular daily lives, and it actually turns out that the microRNA has little to no effect on COVID. This endangers yourself and those around you.

Be sensible. Listen to public health officials.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

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Healthcare Insurance in India: Protecting Health, Empowering Lives with SecondMedic

Health is priceless, but healthcare can be expensive. In a country where medical inflation rises by nearly 12% every year, healthcare insurance has become a necessity, not a luxury.

SecondMedic bridges medical protection with digital convenience — giving Indians a smarter, simpler way to stay covered and cared for.

What Is Healthcare Insurance?

Healthcare insurance is a financial safety net that covers hospitalization, treatment, and medical expenses. It ensures you get access to top-quality hospitals without worrying about unexpected bills.

Modern health plans now go beyond emergencies — they cover preventive care, teleconsultations, home diagnostics, and even digital wellness programs.

Why Healthcare Insurance Is Essential in India

A 2024 report by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) found that over 70% of Indians pay medical bills out-of-pocket. One hospitalization can wipe out an entire year’s savings for a middle-income family.

Healthcare insurance:

Protects against medical inflation
Enables cashless hospitalization
Provides tax benefits under Section 80D
Encourages early detection via preventive checkups
Supports virtual consultations and chronic care follow-ups

Types of Healthcare Insurance Plans

1. Individual Health Plans

Covers one person — ideal for self-employed or single professionals.

2. Family Floater Plans

A shared sum insured for the whole family — cost-effective for parents and children.

3. Senior Citizen Plans

Customized for people aged 60+, including chronic disease and home care support.

4. Corporate & Group Insurance

Employer-provided coverage with wellness programs and digital consultation access.

5. Top-Up & Super Top-Up Plans

Extend existing coverage limits at low cost.

SecondMedic’s Role in Smarter Health Coverage

SecondMedic doesn’t just help you buy insurance — it helps you live healthier under it.

Our integrated Digital Health + Insurance model provides:

Cashless virtual consultations
Coverage-linked diagnostics (home or lab-based)
E-prescriptions & discounted pharmacy
AI-based health score tracking
Doctor guidance for claims and follow-ups

This ensures that insurance is used proactively, not just in emergencies.

Preventive Care + Insurance: A Winning Combo

Insurance companies now reward preventive care. By getting regular SecondMedic checkups, your health data helps keep premiums lower and claim-free bonuses active.

A NITI Aayog 2024 report found that preventive health monitoring reduced hospitalization risk by 28% among insured individuals.

Digital Health Meets Insurance

With SecondMedic’s tech-driven model, your insurance can now include:

Online doctor consultations
Chronic care management
Home sample collections
Telemedicine coverage
Digital health reports for easy claims

You can view your policy benefits, upload claims, and access your medical records — all through your SecondMedic dashboard.

How to Choose the Right Healthcare Insurance

Assess your medical history and family needs.
Compare premiums, claim ratios, and network hospitals.
Choose plans with telehealth, diagnostics, and preventive cover.
Check waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.
Use SecondMedic’s plan comparison tool for expert-backed guidance.

Conclusion

Healthcare insurance is not just a policy — it’s peace of mind.
By combining medical coverage with digital healthcare and preventive wellness, SecondMedic ensures that protection is proactive, not reactive.

Whether you need basic health cover or a comprehensive family plan, SecondMedic makes the journey simple, transparent, and fully online.

Compare and choose your healthcare insurance plan today at SecondMedic.com — because your health deserves both care and security.

Real Data & References

IRDAI Report 2024: 70% of Indians still pay medical bills out-of-pocket.
irdai.gov.in
NITI Aayog 2024: Preventive health reduces hospitalizations by 28%.
niti.gov.in
WHO India 2023: 50% of health issues preventable through early care.
who.int/india
SecondMedic Data (2025): 67% users prefer health plans with digital consultations.
secondmedic.com

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