Retraction serves as an important mechanism for maintaining the reliability and credibility of the scientific record. When substantial problems affecting a published article are confirmed, the journal may retract the publication to ensure that readers are aware of the concerns associated with the work.

The objectives of a retraction are to:

• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record.
• Inform readers when published findings are no longer considered reliable.
• Correct the scientific literature in a transparent and responsible manner.
• Promote ethical publishing and responsible research practices.
• Protect researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and the public from relying on unreliable information.

A published article may be considered for retraction when credible evidence demonstrates that the reliability, validity, or ethical integrity of the work has been seriously compromised.

Retraction may be considered under circumstances including, but not limited to:

• Data fabrication, falsification, or deliberate manipulation of research findings.
• Plagiarism, including extensive unattributed copying or duplicate publication.
• Redundant or duplicate publication without appropriate disclosure.
• Major methodological or analytical errors that invalidate the study's conclusions.
• Image manipulation or inappropriate alteration of research data.
• Serious violations involving human participants, animal welfare, informed consent, or ethical approval.
• Fraudulent authorship, authorship disputes, or undisclosed conflicts of interest affecting publication integrity.
• Unauthorized use of copyrighted material or intellectual property.
• Peer review manipulation or other forms of publication misconduct.
• Any other circumstance that substantially undermines the reliability or integrity of the published article.

Each case is evaluated individually based on the available evidence, editorial assessment, and internationally accepted publication ethics principles.

When concerns regarding a published article are brought to the attention of the Editorial Office, the journal initiates a fair, objective, and confidential assessment. Every allegation is evaluated on its individual merits while ensuring due process and protecting the rights of all parties involved.

The retraction process generally includes:

• Receipt of a concern from readers, reviewers, editors, authors, or institutions.
• Preliminary editorial assessment of the reported issue.
• Collection of relevant evidence and supporting documentation.
• Communication with the corresponding author and, where appropriate, all co-authors.
• Consultation with Editorial Board members or independent subject experts when necessary.
• Final editorial decision based on the available evidence and publication ethics principles.

Each investigation is conducted carefully, objectively, and confidentially while maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record.

The Editorial Office evaluates all allegations of research or publication misconduct in accordance with internationally accepted editorial and ethical standards. Investigations are conducted impartially without presuming misconduct until sufficient evidence has been reviewed.

During the investigation, the Editorial Office may:

• Request explanations from the corresponding author.
• Seek clarification from co-authors.
• Review original data or supporting documentation.
• Consult independent reviewers or subject experts.
• Evaluate institutional reports where available.

The journal reserves the right to suspend editorial actions while investigations are ongoing where appropriate.

Before a final decision is made, authors are normally provided with an opportunity to respond to the concerns raised. Authors may submit explanations, supporting evidence, or clarifications that will be considered during the editorial investigation.

Failure to respond within a reasonable period does not necessarily prevent the Editorial Office from reaching an editorial decision when sufficient evidence is available.

Where appropriate, the Editorial Office may communicate with the authors' affiliated institutions, research organizations, ethics committees, or funding agencies to obtain additional information relevant to the investigation.

The journal encourages cooperation with institutional investigations while respecting confidentiality and applicable legal and ethical requirements.

If a retraction is approved, the journal will publish a formal Retraction Notice to ensure transparency and preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.

A Retraction Notice will normally:

• Clearly identify the retracted article.
• State the reason(s) for the retraction.
• Remain permanently linked to the original publication.
• Be freely accessible to readers.
• Clearly distinguish the retraction from the original article.

Where technically feasible, the original article will remain part of the scholarly record and will be clearly identified as "Retracted" to maintain transparency.

Authors who discover significant errors or issues affecting the reliability of their published work are encouraged to notify the Editorial Office as soon as possible. The journal supports responsible post-publication correction of the scholarly record and appreciates authors who voluntarily report genuine concerns.

Authors requesting retraction should provide:

• A detailed explanation of the reason for the request.
• Supporting documentation where applicable.
• Confirmation from all co-authors whenever possible.
• Any additional information requested by the Editorial Office.

Author-initiated requests are evaluated objectively and independently in accordance with the journal's editorial policies and publication ethics standards.

The journal distinguishes between different forms of post-publication editorial actions in order to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

• Correction: Issued when an error does not invalidate the overall findings or conclusions of the published work.
• Retraction: Issued when the findings are no longer considered reliable because of serious errors, research misconduct, plagiarism, duplicate publication, or other major ethical concerns.
• Expression of Concern: Published when serious concerns have been raised but a full investigation has not yet reached a final conclusion.

The Editorial Office determines the most appropriate editorial action after considering all available evidence and relevant ethical guidance.

IJMSDH is committed to maintaining transparency, accountability, fairness, and integrity throughout the retraction process. Retraction decisions are made solely on the basis of scientific evidence, publication ethics, and editorial responsibility.

The journal follows internationally recognized principles of responsible scholarly publishing and supports the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) regarding retractions, post-publication corrections, and research integrity.

The journal is committed to:

• Maintaining an accurate and trustworthy scholarly record.
• Ensuring transparency in editorial decision-making.
• Protecting readers from unreliable scientific information.
• Applying publication ethics fairly and consistently.
• Promoting responsible research and scholarly communication.

Questions regarding this Retraction Policy, publication ethics, post-publication investigations, or concerns relating to published articles may be directed to the Editorial Office using the official contact information available on the journal website. All communications are handled confidentially and in accordance with the journal's editorial policies.

This Retraction Policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect developments in publication ethics, editorial standards, research integrity, and internationally accepted best practices. Authors, reviewers, editors, and readers are encouraged to consult the latest version of this policy available on the journal website.

Important Notice

The Editorial Office reserves the right to investigate all allegations of research or publication misconduct thoroughly and impartially. Where appropriate, additional information, institutional cooperation, expert consultation, or supporting documentation may be requested before a final editorial decision is reached. All retraction decisions are made solely to preserve the integrity, transparency, and reliability of the scholarly record and are not influenced by commercial interests, institutional affiliations, or Article Processing Charges (APCs).