(Yicai Global) Jan. 3 - China's three main stock benchmarks eked out gains after opening higher this morning. Pharmaceutical companies' shares led the group of winners, spurred by a widening drug-buying program.

The Shanghai Composite Index began 0.12 percent higher at 3,089.02. The Shenzhen Component Index was at 10,666.66, up 0.26 percent. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, rose 0.22 percent to 1,836.86.

As of 10.30 a.m., pharma shares advanced by 3.6 percent after the country added 33 items to its generic drug procurement program. Makers of those products need to submit bids by Jan. 17. 

Editor: Emmi Laine