NTT DATA's Study Highlights Challenges and Opportunities for GenAI in Healthcare

In a comprehensive study released on July 25, 2025, NTT DATA, a global leader in business and technology services, unveiled critical insights into the integration of Generative AI (GenAI) within the healthcare sector. Conducted among 425 healthcare decision-makers across 33 countries, the research illustrates a significant disconnect between the ambitions of healthcare organizations and the practical strategies they employ to harness GenAI effectively.

The study indicates that while over 80% of healthcare leaders assert they have established a well-defined GenAI strategy, only 40% believe that their strategy aligns closely with their overarching business objectives. Furthermore, just 54% of respondents rated their GenAI capabilities as high performing, revealing a substantial gap in the realization of GenAI’s potential across the industry.

Sundar Srinivasan, Head of Healthcare at NTT DATA North America, emphasized the necessity for healthcare organizations to bridge this gap. He stated, "To achieve GenAI's full potential in healthcare, organizations must align the technology to their business strategies, develop comprehensive workforce training, and implement multilayered governance strategies that prioritize people and keep humans in the loop."

The transformative benefits of GenAI in healthcare are already being recognized, with 94% of respondents agreeing that the technology accelerates research and development. GenAI has been cited as a catalyst for faster access to new treatments, improved diagnostics, predictive analytics, and task automation. Notably, 95% of surveyed executives consider cloud-based solutions to be the most practical and cost-effective for their GenAI needs.

However, the study also highlights significant challenges that hinder broader implementation, including concerns around data security, privacy, ethics, and regulatory compliance. A staggering 91% of healthcare executives expressed fears regarding potential privacy violations and the misuse of Protected Health Information (PHI), while only 42% felt confident that their existing cybersecurity measures adequately protect their current GenAI applications. Despite these challenges, 87% of respondents believe that the existing advantages and long-term potential of GenAI outweigh the security and legal risks associated with it.

Moreover, the report highlights the pressing need for significant investments in GenAI, with 59% of respondents planning substantial expenditures in this area over the next two years. Notably, legacy infrastructure poses a substantial barrier to GenAI adoption, with 91% of participants indicating that outdated technology significantly hampers their ability to utilize GenAI effectively.

The study calls for a robust strategy that not only supports operational objectives but also aligns with regulatory and clinical guidelines. Srinivasan reiterated, "Success hinges on high data quality and establishing collaborative decision-making teams." As healthcare organizations continue to navigate these complexities, the insights gleaned from NTT DATA's research underscore the urgent need for strategic alignment and governance in realizing the full potential of GenAI in healthcare.

The complete report, titled 'GenAI: The Care Plan for Powering Positive Health Outcomes,' provides an in-depth analysis of these findings and offers actionable recommendations for healthcare leaders looking to optimize their GenAI strategies. NTT DATA, a $30 billion enterprise, serves a significant portion of the Fortune Global 100 and is committed to fostering innovation and transformation in the healthcare sector and beyond.