Wellington, Sep 1 (DPA) New Zealand health authorities are sending X-rays of patients over the Internet to India and other countries including war-hit Beirut for diagnosis due to shortages of radiologists, it was reported Friday.

The Hawke's Bay District Health Board said the X-rays and scans were sent overnight to northern hemisphere countries, including Lebanon, Pakistan, India and the US where they were read by dayshift doctors.

Board acting chief executive Win Bennett told Radio New Zealand the credentials of the radiologists were thoroughly investigated and their work was double-checked the next day by local staff.

But New Zealand Medical Association chairman Ross Boswell said the practice was very risky for New Zealand patients.

"The radiologists involved are not registered to work in New Zealand, are unfamiliar with New Zealand conditions and are not covered by New Zealand's disciplinary system," he said.

"If a mistake is made, does the radiologist have any accountability in New Zealand? We think this is very unlikely."