Publication Ethics

The International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences Archives (IJMHSA) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct throughout the publication process. The journal adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and expects all parties involved—authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers—to uphold these ethical standards.

1. Ethical Responsibilities of Authors:

  • Originality and Plagiarism: Authors must ensure their work is original and properly cites others' ideas or words. Plagiarism in any form is unacceptable.

  • Data Integrity: Authors must present accurate data and ensure reproducibility. Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation of data constitutes unethical behavior.

  • Multiple Submissions: Manuscripts must not be submitted simultaneously to more than one journal.

  • Authorship: Only individuals who have significantly contributed to the research should be listed as authors. All co-authors must approve the final version of the manuscript.

  • Conflicts of Interest: Authors must disclose any financial or personal conflicts that could affect the integrity of the research.

2. Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers:

  • Confidentiality: Reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and not share or use any content for personal gain.

  • Objectivity: Reviews should be conducted objectively, with clear and constructive feedback based on scientific merit.

  • Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must recuse themselves if a conflict of interest exists with the manuscript or its authors.

3. Ethical Responsibilities of Editors:

  • Editorial Independence: Editorial decisions are based solely on the manuscript’s academic merit and relevance, free from commercial or personal bias.

  • Fair Review: Editors ensure a fair, timely, and impartial review process.

  • Confidentiality: Editors and editorial staff must protect the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts.

  • Conflict Management: Editors must disclose any conflicts of interest and avoid handling manuscripts in which they have a personal or financial interest.

4. Handling Misconduct:

  • IJMHSA investigates all allegations of research and publication misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, data falsification, redundant publication).

  • Proven cases of misconduct may result in manuscript rejection, publication retraction, and notification of the authors’ institutions.

  • Retractions, corrections, and expressions of concern will be published in line with COPE recommendations.

5. Post-Publication Ethics:

  • Readers and researchers are encouraged to report ethical concerns or errors found in published work.

  • IJMHSA takes all post-publication issues seriously and will issue corrections, retractions, or editorial statements where necessary.