Letter
Editorial bias, nepotism, and the “club culture” in Indian medical journals
We are compelled to address a persistent and troubling issue in Indian medical publishing: the widespread favouritism in editorial decisions. Many Indian journals, rather than serving as impartial scientific platforms, frequently operate in ways that benefit their editorial board members and close associates [1]. As a result, well-researched manuscripts from those outside these circles often encounter unexplained desk rejections or prolonged delays, while submissions from close associates are expedited for publication [2].
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If this is the state of medical journals, the state of ayurvedic journals is even worse. Having known this, I have always submitted my ayurvedic research papers only to general medical publications such as IJME, BMJ Blogs etc.
Recently, with a view to make sure that I am not needlessly biased against them, I submitted a piece to one ayurvedic journal. After about a week came their two-word reply: Decline submission.
Not one word of the reviewer’s opinion was quoted. The editor, even after being specifically asked, wrote not a word in response. Maybe they feared that I would rebut their review in a future paper!
Science making needs both creativity and courage. Creativity advances knowledge and courage brings transparency. Journal editors, with a few exceptions, seem to lack both.