Introduction and objective:
Experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries could form the basis for the reform of public health institutions. Systemic changes in the health care sector require an accurate mapping of the potential of public health institutions in Poland. The aim of the study was to characterize the Military Sanitary Inspection (MSI), and to analyze the tasks in the field of public health carried out by the bodies of the MSI for 1) members of the armed forces of the Republic of Poland and civilian employees of the army, and 2) the general population.

Material and methods:
Data on public health tasks performed by the Military Sanitary Inspection in peacetime were collected and analyzed. The analysis also included activities carried out by the MSI in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results:
Three areas of activities in the field of public health carried out by the MSI were identified and described: 1) statutory tasks of the MSI, as the tasks of the MSI (activities on behalf of the general public); 2) activities of the MSI carried out for members of the armed forces of the Republic of Poland, civilian employees of the army and military structures; 3) activities carried out by the MSI in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:
The Military Sanitary Inspection is an important institution of the health care system in Poland in the field of public health. Due to the variety of areas of operation, the provision of sanitary and epidemiological safety of soldiers in the armed forces and civilian military personnel requires the development of procedures adjusted to changing environmental conditions.