Correction & Retraction Policy

1. Purpose of Corrections

ApexMed – Journal of Health Sciences is dedicated to maintaining the accuracy, credibility, and transparency of the scientific record. This correction policy addresses genuine errors in published work that could affect interpretation, data integrity, or scholarly understanding. Prompt corrections help preserve trust in clinical and scientific research.

2. Types of Corrections

Erratum (Publisher-Initiated Correction):
Issued when errors introduced during the publishing process (e.g., typographical mistakes, incorrect figures, or reference errors) are identified. These do not alter the study’s conclusions.
Corrigendum (Author-Initiated Correction):
Issued when authors identify a substantive mistake post-publication that may affect the clarity, interpretation, or reliability of the work but does not invalidate the research.

3. Correction Procedure

Detection:
Errors may be reported by authors, readers, editors, or peer reviewers.
Editorial Assessment:
The editorial team evaluates the nature and impact of the reported error.
Correction Implementation:
When appropriate, a formal correction notice is published. The original article remains unchanged but is clearly linked to the correction for transparency and accountability.

4. Visibility and Indexing

All correction notices are linked to the original articles on the journal's website.
Corrections are indexed in relevant academic databases to maintain transparency and scholarly record integrity.

Retraction Policy

1. Purpose of Retractions

Retractions are issued to formally withdraw a published article when its scientific validity or ethical foundation is compromised. This measure protects the academic record and prevents the continued citation of flawed or unethical work.

2. Grounds for Retraction

Research Misconduct:
Proven cases of plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, or manipulation.
Ethical Violations:
Breaches involving human or animal subject research, lack of ethical approval, or undisclosed conflicts of interest.
Critical Errors:
Major flaws in methodology, data analysis, or results that render the findings invalid and cannot be addressed via a correction.

3. Retraction Procedure

Inquiry and Investigation:
The editorial board initiates an investigation, which may involve authors, peer reviewers, and, if necessary, institutional or ethical oversight bodies.
Editorial Decision:
Following COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines, the board determines whether a retraction is warranted.
Issuance of Retraction Notice:
A formal retraction notice is published, stating the reason for retraction. The original article remains accessible but is clearly watermarked or labeled as "RETRACTED."

4. Indexing and Transparency

All retraction notices are:
- Openly published
- Indexed in major academic and medical databases
- Linked to the original article for full traceability

5. Ethical Standards and Governance

ApexMed follows the ethical standards of COPE and complies with the publishing quality benchmarks set by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. All correction and retraction procedures are conducted with transparency, fairness, and academic responsibility.