Mr Ryall announced in September the Government would invest an extra $16 million over four years to support Very Low Cost Access (VLCA) practices. That included a one-off $1.5 million scholarship fund for the 30 graduate nurses.
The Government will now increase that fund to $2.4 million.
Funding for the VLCA scheme has increased by more than 85 per cent in the past six years to $50 million this financial year.
"We want even more new graduate nurses working in our higher-need communities," Mr Ryall said. "A strong primary health care system is central to improving the health of New Zealanders."
The 48 graduate nurses will work alongside GPs, practice nurses and other member of the general practice team.