The Journal of Pharmaceutical and Community Sciences (JSFK) follows a rigorous peer review process to ensure that only high-quality and scientifically sound manuscripts are published. This process is designed to maintain the integrity and credibility of the journal. The stages of the peer review process are as follows:

1. Manuscript Submission

Authors submit manuscripts via the JSFK online submission system. Upon submission, the manuscript undergoes an initial screening by the editorial team to verify adherence to the journal’s scope and guidelines.

2. Initial Evaluation

The editorial team conducts a preliminary evaluation to assess:

• Relevance to the journal’s focus areas

• Compliance with submission requirements

• Overall content quality
  If the manuscript meets the criteria, it proceeds to the peer review stage. Otherwise, it may be rejected at this stage.

3. Reviewer Assignment

The editorial team assigns the manuscript to at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant subject area. Reviewers are selected based on academic competence and professional experience.

4. Review Process

Reviewers assess the manuscript based on the following criteria:

• Originality: Is the manuscript a novel contribution to the field?

• Scientific Rigor: Are the methods appropriate and results well-supported by data?

• Relevance: Does the manuscript address significant issues in pharmaceutical or clinical pharmacy?

• Clarity: Is the manuscript well-written, coherent, and logically structured?

• Ethical Compliance: Are ethical standards followed, particularly in studies involving human or animal subjects?

Reviewers provide constructive feedback, noting strengths, weaknesses, and offering recommendations such as minor revision, major revision, or rejection.

5. Reviewer Feedback

After completing the review, reviewers submit their evaluations and recommendations to the editorial team. The compiled feedback is sent to the corresponding author.

6. Author Revision

Based on reviewer comments, the corresponding author is asked to revise the manuscript. Authors must respond to each point raised by reviewers. If the revisions are substantial, the manuscript may undergo a second round of review.

7. Final Decision

The editorial team evaluates the revised manuscript along with reviewer comments to make the final publication decision. Possible outcomes include:

• Accepted without revision

• Accepted with minor revisions

• Accepted with major revisions

• Rejected

8. Publication

Once accepted, the manuscript undergoes final proofreading and formatting before being scheduled for publication in an upcoming JSFK issue.

9. Confidentiality and Ethics

Confidentiality is strictly maintained throughout the peer review process. Reviewers must treat all submissions as confidential documents and are prohibited from discussing them with others. They must also disclose any conflict of interest that may compromise objectivity.

JSFK is dedicated to ensuring transparency, fairness, and integrity in the peer review process to uphold the quality and impact of its publications.