A charter flight is urgently needed to fly in thousands of ventilators, millions of face masks and other supplies after DHL and FedEx imposed strict weight limits on freight, a medical equipment importer says.

Equinox Orthopaedics chief executive Philip Crealy also said importers trying to fulfil orders for state and territory governments are being pipped at the post by foreign governments buying direct and paying high prices.

"Something needs to happen now, not in two weeks’ time or one week’s time," Mr Crealy said. "If I start shipping things with FedEx and DHL, it's like trying to empty out a swimming pool with a little cup."

Healthcare workers are worried about a scarcity of protective gear as they battle the coronavirus. Credit:Jason South

Mr Crealy said the federal government was doing a "fantastic job" and state governments are co-ordinating well. He believed there would be a government meeting on Monday to approve a charter flight to China and determine what freight would get priority.