The action plan will set out key targets for NHS waiting times

Nicola Sturgeon promised that, by 2011, nobody would wait longer than 18 weeks for treatment after seeing their GP.

The government's healthcare strategy for the next three years will be outlined in an action plan setting out NHS targets for 2008/09 and beyond.

But Labour health spokesman Andy Kerr said the "real challenge" in health was tackling inequalities.

Ms Sturgeon said that the plan would contain details of the ways in which the "ambitious" target would be met.

'Best practice'

Currently patients can still wait up to 26 weeks for a specialist appointment after being referred by their GP, although this is to be reduced to a maximum of 18 weeks at the end of this year.

During a debate at Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon told MSPs that the action plan would outline how this target would be met by the end of 2011.

She said that the action plan would be developed through public and clinical consultation.

If the minister is in search of a vision, that vision already exists Andy Kerr Labour health spokesman

"It will drive the transformation of NHS services and it will put NHS Scotland at the forefront of international best practice," she added.

But during the debate, Mr Kerr said that Professor David Kerr's report, which was prepared in 2005 for the previous administration, had already set out a plan for improving the NHS.

He told Ms Sturgeon: "If the minister is in search of a vision, that vision already exists and it is one I recommend to her."

Mr Kerr told MSPs the "real challenge" in health was tackling inequalities.

In May, Nicola Sturgeon revealed the SNP are to send trouble-shooters to tackle cancer treatment waiting lists in two health board areas.

The announcement was made after figures showed many health boards had failed to meet waiting time targets.