PAME meeting & Predatory Medical Journals
Thank you so much for this write up published in July 15th issue of Pulse International. Unfortunately, the article publication required by students has made predatory journals a business there are horrific disclosures by my trainees- but Alhamdulillah’s they have accepted their mistake- do not wish to damage PGTs but loopholes in system- do decrease one’s workload- we can’t take it towards fake publication and bringing bad name to Pakistan
Dr. Wajiha
President MWAP
Lahore – Pakistan.
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It was such a well-attended meeting with an agenda that was both highly relevant and much needed. As editors, we are all aware of these pressing issues, but it’s only PAME that has the power to voice our concerns to the HEC and PMDC. One of the major problems we’re facing is with the Y category HEC journals, which are claiming recognition by the CPSP. These journals are often run by non-medical staff with no real experience in our field, and many postgraduate CPSP trainees are resorting to paying them under the table just to get their articles published. The numbers are staggering, and unfortunately, no one seems to be addressing this.
Another major issue is the challenge of converting XML-files for PubMed indexing. This is a huge obstacle to getting our journals indexed, and it’s something that needs immediate attention.
At JUCMD, we prioritize quality above all else. We don’t charge authors for publishing, allowing them to focus on their research. Our goal is not to profit but to increase our visibility and citation rates rather than hoarding funds for the University of Lahore. However, unless authors are fully informed about these unethical practices and the HEC takes a firm stand against these predatory journals, any talk of quality will remain meaningless. Thank you for bringing these important issues to the forefront.
Prof. Mariya Hidayat
Lahore.
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It is a grave matter and mushrooming of fake publications. The regulations should be based on facts and strict adherence is requested. There are so many wrong policies including restriction on number of authors. Good research works are always collaborative efforts and multicenter.
Prof. Saira Afzal
Lahore.
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Thank you for the detailed report on predatory journals which has generated much needed discussion. Unfortunately, the compulsion of having a medical college journal has led to the proliferation of such journals without check-in quality.
We are facing similar situation here at my workplace where I have suggested to be completely ready before publishing first volume. Unfortunately, it is a rat race where all want to just have a stamp that the journal has started.
Dr. Noori Kiran Haris
ABWA Medical College,
Faisalabad.
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Scientific Publications: CPSP needs to revisit its earlier decision
I fully endorse your suggestion given to CPSP in the column on “Off the Record” relating Publication of Papers. The research synopsis should be approved by the CPSP. RTMC and the study should be conducted under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. The research data should be published in a journal recognized- conjointly by both HEC and PM&DC.
It is our responsibility to safeguard quality research, trustworthy publications and ethical credibility.
Maj Gen [Retd]Prof. M. Aslam
MBBS, M.Phil, Ph.D, FPAMS, FCPS
Professor of Physiology
professormaslam@yahoo.com
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It is a grave matter and mushrooming of fake publications. The regulations should be based on facts and strict adherence is requested. There are so many wrong policies including author,1 to 4. It is totally rubbish as good research works are always collaborative efforts and multi centre.
Prof. Saira Afzal
Lahore.
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CPSP has changed its policy of dissertation to One Original Article according to its notification issued on August 30th 2024. First its synopsis will be evaluated by CPSP and then study will be conducted. I totally agree with your opinion about HEC recognized journals.
Prof. Sadaf Arooj
AIMC, Lahore.
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Ma Sha ALLAH. You have rightly analyzed the current chaos and suggested the right remedies. Well written.
Prof. Abdul Hadi
Swat. KPK.
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Absolutely, that is the core issue. Just compare the number of postgraduate residents with the limited number of genuine, accredited journals. It is simply not feasible for all trainees to publish within the required training timeframe. This pressure is what allows predatory journals to thrive and turn academic publishing into a business.
Finally, someone has raised this issue on the right platform. Hopefully, this sparks meaningful change and brings attention to this issue.
Dr. Sara Raza
Lahore.
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Very well written addressing many issues explaining how difficult it is to be an editor while most of the time acting as detectives rather than editor questioning the authenticity of authors. One thing can be added is the quality of paper also, training is required for the supervisors as mandatory workshop and all medical institutions should look into it.
Dr. Nuzhat
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Timely highlighted which needs further discussion. Very well highlighted misuse of research paper publication pathway. I want to add that there are far more journals PMDC recognized which are not recognized by HEC. Moreover are international journals applying for HEC recognition? Pakistani journals should also improve their functioning and ensure early processing of submitted manuscripts. Processing, publication time may be mentioned. OJS system is only for uploading articles then no use of that even. Globally and locally the reviewers and authors should be paid incentives so they will be more vigilant. Such shortcomings may lead the authors to involve in unethical measures.
Fatema Zahra
Lahore.
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Response: Your information is not based on facts. There are no predatory medical journals which are recognized by PM&DC. OJS is a very useful manuscript management system, can be used for peer review and final publication as well. SAJ
In Pakistan we have too many conflicting laws. An Institute’s journal cannot entertain its own faculty ( supervisor in this case) article; an editor cannot publish in his or her own journal. My own trainees, suddenly came up telling me that their articles with me as the coauthor are published in a Y category journal that i had never even heard of. Seeing me displeased, the AP actually supported the trainees saying that they had to publish because of approaching exams and only this journal was publishing early. At least really good articles wasted. The AP herself doesn’t realize that these articles will count to nothing when she will apply for meritorious Professor or Our own University MPhil or PhD supervisor
Prof. Saba Sohail
Karachi.
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Feature on Prof. Mahmood Ali Malik
I was very comprehensive write up about a living legend. You are a great writer.
Prof. M. Amjad
Lahore – Pakistan.
