With reference to the special editorial published recently in Indian Pediatrics [1], we have a few more suggestions to offer. As per recent MCI notification regarding credit for only first and corresponding author [1], in our opinion all authors should get their due credit. A way forward can be to give weighted scores to all authors in the serial order of their authorship. This may prevent pressure of gift authorship, as even the last author will get some credit points for his/her contribution with regards to publication [2]. Moreover, scores can be assigned to publications in indexed, non- indexed, national or international journals. Similarly, the indexing agencies can also be scored rank-wise and weighted scores can be assigned accordingly. This systematic transparent method of weighted scoring in every aspect of publication will lay a foundation for common, uniform and objective system of evaluation for researchers all over India.

The editorial [1] further comments that two/five/seven/ten of best papers should be considered for promotion in the academic ladder – but how to evaluate or rank the best papers? This question still remains unanswered. The suggested systematic scoring mechanism can also help here.

One more point to ponder is that why only ’original research’ papers are to be considered for promotion of faculty [3]. As ‘research’ is just a part of Medical teacher’s job, the other publications like editorials, commentaries, short articles, case series should also be considered; though, maximum marks/credits can be allotted for research articles. All of these contribute to new ideas, innovations and dissemination of scientific reasoning and thoughts. Every manuscript – whether it is a case report, systematic review or meta-analysis – contributes in one way or other for generating new evidence.

In today’s paperless era, it is all the more essential that some quality e-journals should be recognized and included for credits of publication. It will pave the way for medical teachers to fulfill the eligibility for appointment and promotion. As a result, the new medical colleges being started by the government as a policy measure at district level will not face the shortage of faculty members [4].

The primary job of a faculty member is teaching; therefore, research publications should not be made mandatory for promotions. If it has to be mandatory, the criteria for considering of publications should be based on a reasonable scoring system. This will result in original and honest research work by only those who are zealous and really interested in bringing new evidence to the fore, and prevent unethical publication practices and mushrooming of predatory journals.

1. Bandewar SVS, Aggarwal A, Kumar R, Aggarwal R, Saini P, Pai SA. Medical council of India’s amended qualifications for Indian medical teachers: Well intended, yet half-hearted. Indian Pediatr. 2018;55:107-10.

2. Zaki SA. Gift authorship - A cause for concern. Lung India. 2011;28:232-33.

3. Medical Council of India. Clarification with regard to research publications in the matter of promotion for teaching faculty in a medical college/institutions . Available from: http://www.internationalijar.com/indian-journal-of-applied-research-(IJAR)/mci-circular/MCI%20Circular.pdf. Accessed January 10, 2018.

4. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. National Health Policy 2017. Available from: https://mohfw.gov.in/documents/policy. Accessed December 5, 2017.