Privacy Statement

The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research (PJHR) is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of personal data provided by authors, reviewers, subscribers, and all other individuals who interact with the journal. This Privacy Statement outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information, ensuring compliance with applicable data protection laws and regulations.

1. Data Collection

We collect personal information from authors, reviewers, and subscribers in order to facilitate manuscript submission, peer review, and publication processes. The information we collect may include, but is not limited to:

  • Authors:
    • Name(s) of the author(s)
    • Affiliation(s)
    • Email address
    • Correspondence details
    • Research data and manuscript submissions
    • Financial details for payment of fees (if applicable)
  • Reviewers:
    • Name(s)
    • Affiliation(s)
    • Email address
    • Areas of expertise
    • Manuscript review comments
  • Subscribers and readers:
    • Name(s)
    • Email address (for newsletter or updates, if applicable)
    • Subscription preferences

2. Use of Data

The data we collect is used for the following purposes:

  • For Authors:
    • To manage the submission, peer review, and publication of manuscripts
    • To communicate regarding the status of submissions and revisions
    • To process any financial transactions related to publication fees
  • For Reviewers:
    • To invite you to review manuscripts
    • To communicate feedback and decisions regarding the review process
  • For Subscribers and Readers:
    • To send you notifications, newsletters, or updates about the journal’s content and publications (if you have opted for such services)

3. Data Storage and Security

We take appropriate measures to ensure the security of personal information and maintain its confidentiality. Personal data is stored securely within the journal’s submission and editorial management systems, and access is restricted to authorized personnel only. We employ data encryption and other security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.

4. Data Sharing and Third-Party Services

  • Reviewers: Reviewer comments are shared with the authors of submitted manuscripts but remain anonymous unless otherwise agreed. We do not disclose reviewers' identities without their consent, except in the case of open peer review (if applicable).

  • Editorial and Production Teams: Your personal data may be shared with the editorial and production teams, including technical staff responsible for the publication process. These individuals are required to handle your data with confidentiality.

  • Third-Party Service Providers: We may use third-party service providers (e.g., payment processors, hosting services, or plagiarism detection tools) to facilitate the services provided by the journal. These service providers will only have access to the personal data necessary to perform their functions and are prohibited from using your data for any other purposes.

  • Legal Obligations: We may disclose personal data if required by law or in response to legal processes, such as subpoenas, court orders, or government requests.

5. Cookies and Tracking

The PJHR website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance the user experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us improve the functionality of the website and monitor website traffic. You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, but this may affect your experience on the website.

6. Retention of Data

Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Statement or as required by law. Authors’ manuscripts and related materials are retained as part of the journal's archival process. Financial records and other necessary data may be retained for the duration of the business relationship or as required by law.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location and applicable data protection laws, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right to Access: You may request access to the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Correct: You can request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Right to Erasure: You may request the deletion of your personal data, subject to any legal or contractual obligations.
  • Right to Object: You may object to the processing of your personal data in certain circumstances.

To exercise any of these rights or for any inquiries regarding your personal data, please contact the editorial team at the contact information provided on the PJHR website.

8. Changes to the Privacy Statement

We may update this Privacy Statement periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, or legal obligations. Any significant changes will be communicated to users via email or through an announcement on the journal’s website.