Chindex International Announces Exclusive Distribution Agreement with Intuitive Surgical for China.

BETHESDA, Md. -- Chindex International, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHDX), a leading independent American provider of western healthcare products and services in the People's Republic of China, announced today an exclusive, multi-year distribution agreement for the People's Republic of China with Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ:ISRG), the innovator and market leader in surgical robotics.

Under the terms of the agreement, Chindex will market and distribute the da Vinci(R) Surgical System throughout the healthcare industry in China. Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci(R) Surgical System is the first totally "intuitive" laparoscopic surgical robot. It was the first operative surgical robotic system cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is now used in more than 160 sites in the USA as well as many countries in Europe but has yet to be introduced in China.

Chindex President and CEO, Roberta Lipson commented from Beijing, "The da Vinci(R) Surgical System is a cutting edge technology that is redefining the world of minimally invasive surgery around the world, shortening the operating time and dramatically reducing post-operative complications in such important procedures as Cardiac By-Pass, Radical Prostatectomy and other life saving surgeries. We have begun discussions about placements of the system in the premier surgical centers around the country and the response is enthusiastic. The Chinese government is committed to supporting its major healthcare providers with the leading edge equipment at a world-class level."

Intuitive Surgical's Senior Vice President of Sales, Jerry McNamara said: "Chindex is well recognized in the China market for bringing new top tier healthcare technologies to China. Our da Vinci(R) system is changing the world of minimally invasive surgery. We believe the product is right for introduction in China at this time and Chindex is the right distributor for us."

About Chindex International, Inc.

Chindex is an American company operating in several healthcare sectors of the Chinese marketplace, including Hong Kong. It provides representative and distribution services to a number of major multinational companies including Siemens AG (ultrasound systems), and Guidant (interventional cardiology products including stents, balloon catheters and guide wires). Its distribution channels to the retail pharmacy industry in China have been developed through a relationship with a major multinational cosmetics manufacturer. It also provides healthcare services through the operations of its private hospital corporation in China. With twenty-three years of experience, over 800 employees, and operations in the United States, China and Hong Kong, the Company's strategy is to expand its cross-cultural reach by providing leading edge technologies, quality products and services to Greater China's professional communities. Further company information may be found at the Company's websites www.chindex.com and www.unitedfamilyhospitals.com.

About Intuitive Surgical:

Intuitive Surgical has established itself as the leader in operative surgical robotics. Through the development and commercialization of the da Vinci(R) Surgical System, Intuitive Surgical is taking surgery beyond the limits of the human hand(TM). Intuitive is creating technologies that not only enable surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in a manner never before experienced, but also may aid in reducing trauma, postoperative pain and surgical complications for patients by operating with the flexibility of open surgery through tiny ports. The FDA has cleared the System for use in performing many surgical procedures including general laparoscopic surgery, thoracoscopic (chest) surgery, laparoscopic radical prostatectomies, and thoracoscopically assisted cardiotomy procedures.

The statements in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with uncertainties pertaining to the Company's (i) introduction of new products, including the products described in this release, (ii) performance goals, including successful conclusion of efforts to secure government-backed financing, (iii) future events and earnings, including revenues from the Company's developmental businesses such as healthcare services, (iv) markets, including growth in demand in China for the Company's products and services, and (v) proposed new operations, including expansion of its healthcare services business. Actual results, events and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.