John Swinney announced the plans during his programme for government
The first minister has confirmed plans to cut the number of health boards providing local services across Scotland from 14 to two.
Existing boards could be merged so that there would be one for the west and another for the east of Scotland.
Separate plans are being considered for the three island groups – Shetland, Orkney, and the Western Isles.
Setting out his programme for government, Swinney called the move "the most significant structural reform of our NHS in the devolution era".
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There are currently 14 territorial health boards in Scotland. But under the reforms the 11 on the mainland would be cut to two.
Swinney said this will free up more time and capacity for treatment
These changes would not necessarily affect the operation of national health boards that run the Scottish ambulance service or provide procurement and other support to the NHS.
These proposed changes were set out by First Minister John Swinney in a statement at Parliament.
There had been suggestions different proposals were being considered for Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles. Details have yet to be confirmed.
Final decisions will only be taken after consultation.
Reform of the public sector aimed at saving money, cutting bureaucracy and improving how services are delivered were the major theme of his plans.
Swinney said it was time to "embrace change", with reforms to sit at the heart of his programme for government.
