Peer Review Process
A manuscript will be reviewed for possible publication with the understanding that it is being submitted to RPHS only at that time and has not been published anywhere, simultaneously submitted, or already accepted for publication elsewhere. The journal expects that authors will authorise one of them to correspond with the journal on all matters related to the manuscript. All manuscripts received are duly acknowledged. On submission, editors review all submitted manuscripts initially for suitability for formal review. Manuscripts with insufficient originality, serious scientific or technical flaws, or a lack of a significant message are rejected before proceeding for formal peer review, and if not, they are under journal scope.
Manuscripts that are found suitable for publication in RPHS are sent to two expert reviewers. During submission, the corresponding author is requested to provide the names of two qualified reviewers who have had experience in the field of the submitted manuscript (not mandatory). The reviewers should not be affiliated with the same institutes as the authors. However, the selection of these reviewers is at the sole discretion of the editor. The journal follows a double-blind review process, wherein the reviewers and authors are unaware of each other’s identities. Every manuscript is also assigned to a member of the editorial board, who, based on the comments from the reviewers, makes a final decision on the manuscript. The comments and suggestions received from reviewers are sent to the corresponding author. If required, the author is requested to provide a point-by-point response to reviewers’ comments and submit a revised version of the manuscript within the specified time. This process is repeated until reviewers and editors are satisfied with the manuscript.
Manuscripts accepted for publication are copy-edited for grammar, punctuation, print style, and format. The whole process of submission of the manuscript to the final decision and sending and receiving proofs is completed online. To achieve faster and greater dissemination of knowledge and information, the journal publishes articles online as ‘In Press’ with 2-4 weeks on acceptance.