Peer Review Process

The International Journal of Applied Medical and Health Sciences is committed to maintaining a rigorous, impartial, and transparent peer review process that supports the quality, reliability, and integrity of published research.

The journal follows a double-blind peer review system, under which the identities of authors and reviewers are kept confidential during the review process.

Editorial Screening
All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial editorial assessment before external review. The editorial team considers:

·       Relevance to the journal's aims and scope;

·       Originality and potential scholarly contribution;

·       Scientific and methodological quality;

·       Compliance with submission requirements; and

·       Overall clarity and suitability for publication.

Manuscripts that fall outside the journal's scope or do not meet essential editorial standards may be declined without external peer review.

External Peer Review
Manuscripts that pass the initial assessment are normally evaluated by at least two independent reviewers with appropriate subject expertise.

Reviewers assess the manuscript according to factors such as:

·       Originality and significance;

·       Research question and scientific contribution;

·       Study design and methodology;

·       Data quality and analysis;

·       Interpretation of findings and conclusions;

·       Relevant literature and referencing;

·       Ethical and reporting considerations; and

·       Clarity and overall scientific presentation.

Reviewer recommendations assist the editorial process but do not determine the final publication decision.

Reviewer Selection and Responsibilities
Reviewers are selected according to their relevant expertise, academic qualifications, research experience, and ability to provide an objective assessment.

Reviewers are expected to:

·       Maintain strict confidentiality;

·       Provide fair, constructive, and evidence-based comments;

·       Declare actual or potential conflicts of interest;

·       Review manuscripts only within their area of competence;

·       Identify significant concerns relating to research integrity where appropriate; and

·       Complete reviews within the agreed timeframe or promptly notify the editorial office if this is not possible.

Reviewers must not use unpublished information obtained through peer review for personal, academic, or commercial purposes.

Editorial Decisions
After considering the manuscript and reviewer reports, the Editor-in-Chief or designated editor may issue one of the following decisions:

Accept: Suitable for publication without substantive changes.

Minor Revision: Limited revisions are required.

Major Revision: Substantial changes are required and further review may be necessary.

Reject: The manuscript does not meet the journal's publication standards.

The final decision rests with the Editor-in-Chief or designated editor.

Revision and Resubmission
Authors receiving a revision decision should submit a revised manuscript together with a clear response addressing the reviewers' and editors' comments.

A revised manuscript may be returned to the original reviewers or assessed by additional reviewers when necessary.

Confidentiality and Research Integrity
Manuscripts, reviewer reports, editorial correspondence, and related materials are treated as confidential throughout the review process.

The journal does not tolerate plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, inappropriate image manipulation, duplicate publication, or other forms of research or publication misconduct. Suspected concerns may be investigated and addressed through appropriate editorial procedures.

Appeals
Authors may appeal an editorial decision where they believe that a significant factual error or procedural issue has affected the decision.

Appeals must provide clear justification and supporting information. The editorial office may seek an independent assessment where appropriate. An appeal does not guarantee that the original decision will be overturned.

Publication After Acceptance
Once accepted, manuscripts proceed to production, which may include copyediting, formatting, proofreading, author proof review, and final publication.

Necessary technical or editorial corrections may be made during production without altering the scientific meaning or conclusions of the article.

Commitment to Peer Review Quality
The International Journal of Applied Medical and Health Sciences is committed to a peer review system that is fair, confidential, independent, and scientifically rigorous. The journal seeks to ensure that published research meets appropriate standards of quality and contributes meaningfully to medical and health sciences.