Pricing Pressures Lower Profits For Chinese Drug Chain Nepstar, While Healthcare Reform Has Opposite Effect On Hospital Chain Chindex - China Earnings Roundup (Part 1)

Year-end and Q4 earnings results for Chinese healthcare operators and drug stores are shaped by a challenging environment imposed by China's healthcare reform and increasing drug pricing pressure. In 2010, a rising tide of inflation also increased minimum wages and labor costs across the country and impacted companies' bottom lines. Many firms have resorted to business diversification, innovation and enriched pipelines to sustain a strong growth.