Limpopo health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba told the committee the effects of the second wave in the province were five times higher than in the first wave.
Ramathuba said additional resources such as human resources, personal protective equipment, oxygen and infrastructure were required, but with restricted finances.
The committee also heard that bed occupancy was under pressure in all Limpopo’s hospitals.
Ramathuba said in addition to staff shortages at health facilities, there was also absenteeism among health care workers.
On the staff shortage issue, the committee told the department that staff recruitment needed immediate attention.
It advised the department that, given the prevailing pressure of workload, the contracts of health care workers which were expiring should be extended.
TimesLIVE